4-Year-Old Kindergarten Program
The year before school is an important stage in your child's learning journey. It is a time when children grow in independence, deepen friendships, strengthen communication skills and begin to see themselves as capable, confident learners. At Explorers Early Learning, our 4-year-old Kindergarten program supports this important transition through play-based learning, intentional teaching and meaningful relationships with educators.
Guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and delivered through our Learning for Life Curriculum and Framework of Joy, we support not only what your child is learning, but who they are becoming.
Our 4-year-old Kindergarten program is part of a connected two-year Kindergarten journey at Explorers, supporting children from 3-year-old kinder through to their transition to school.
The Explorers Kindergarten Program
Our kindergarten preschool pathway spans two years:
- 3-Year-Old Kindergarten Program
- 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Program
Our learning programs are:
- Play-based and inquiry-driven, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach
- Grounded in children's research and play, including opportunities to build literacy and numeracy learning foundations
- Responsive to children's curiosities and interests
- Focused on social relationships, emotional growth, creative expression, encounters with nature, sustainability and ecological awareness
Because learning sticks when children are engaged.
4-Year-Old Kindergarten at Explorers
The second year of the Explorers Kindergarten program builds upon the foundations of the previous year. Integrated into our 4-year-old kindergarten, our Ready Program introduces children to a variety of learning experiences that strengthen school readiness.
We support children to think independently, collaborate with others and confidently engage in new challenges, all while keeping play at the heart of learning.
Throughout the year, children foster:
- Self-awareness and understanding others' perspectives
- Confidence to approach new situations and relationships
- The ability to share ideas, collaborate and support peers
- Independence and responsibility in daily routines
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Early literacy and numeracy education through meaningful experiences
- A strengthened ability to manage emotions, resolve conflict and show empathy
- Resilience to support a positive transition to school
Repeating years: If additional time is ever needed, we work closely with families to support year repetition when appropriate. This ensures every child progresses at a pace that feels right for them.
The Explorers Ready Program
At Explorers, school readiness is not about worksheets, rote learning or expecting children to sit still before they are ready. It is about helping each child feel capable, curious and connected, while protecting the joy and wonder of childhood.
Helping children feel confident, capable and ready for school
In the year before school, children take part in the Explorers Ready Program, a structured, play-based program woven into our 4-year-old Kindergarten curriculum.
Children are supported across five connected areas:
- Belonging and friendship, as children learn to build relationships, join play, listen to others and care for their friends.
- Responsibility, independence and confidence, as children practise managing belongings, making choices, caring for shared spaces and taking on small responsibilities.
- Thinking and communicating, as children explore early literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, storytelling, mark-making, drawing, construction and shared discussion.
- Connection to community and school, as children begin to build familiarity with the wider world around them, including local schools and community experiences.
- Identity for transitions, as children develop pride and belonging as part of their Kindergarten group, helping them feel more secure and confident as they prepare for school.
Every child enrolled in our Kindergarten Program receives a welcome pack to support their sense of belonging and excitement for learning.
Explorers Kindergarten Welcome Pack
To support our Kindergarten children and their learning, we provide a welcome pack when they start their journey that features everything needed to aid in their transition to school.
Each child receives an Explorers Kindergarten Welcome Pack, including:
- Kindergarten polo
- Kindergarten T-shirt
- Kindergarten hat
- Library bag
- Lunch bag
Government-Funded Kindergarten Available
Explorers Early Learning offers funded kindergarten across our Victorian centres, helping families access quality early education in a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
How We Support Families
We believe families should feel informed, connected and confident in their child's learning journey.
We document learning through:
- Individual portfolios
- Project work
- Development plans (as required)
- Incursion and excursion information
- Opportunities to join events, tours and family activities
This ensures learning is visible, meaningful and shared every step of the way.
Start Your Kindergarten Journey with Explorers
At Explorers Early Learning, our preschool and kindergarten programs are designed to support confident transitions, curious minds and capable learners.
Find a centre near you and experience Explorers firsthand.
Book a tour or enquire today, we'd love to welcome your family into our learning community.
FAQs
Is Explorers Eligible for Government-Funded Kindergarten?
Yes! Explorers Early Learning meets the Victorian Government's eligibility requirements for funded kindergarten programs. Our centres are registered and approved providers, meaning families can access free kindergarten at any of our locations.
We adhere to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), ensuring that all programs meet high educational standards. Our educators undergo rigorous training and qualification requirements, guaranteeing that children receive the best early education experience possible.
What if my child needs more time before school?
If additional time is ever needed, we work closely with families to support year repetition when appropriate. This ensures every child progresses at a pace that feels right for them.
Is Financial Support Available?
Families may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), depending on income, activity levels and care hours. CCS helps reduce out-of-pocket costs and makes quality early learning more accessible.
You can estimate your family's eligibility using our CCS Calculator.