Kindergarten Learning Programs at Explorers
Ages 3 – 5 years
The kindergarten years are such a beautiful time in your child's learning journey. Between the ages of 3 and 5, children are growing in confidence, language, independence and connection. They are asking bigger questions, forming friendships and beginning to see themselves as capable learners.
At Explorers, our kindergarten program is guided by our Learning for Life curriculum and shaped by our Framework of Joy. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our educators listen closely to each child's ideas, interests and discoveries, creating kindergarten learning experiences that feel meaningful, joyful and connected.
Explore our 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten learning programs below, or book a tour to see how learning comes to life at your local Explorers Early Learning Centre.
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What is the Explorers Kindergarten Program?
The Explorers Kindergarten Program supports children aged 3 to school-age through a connected two-year learning journey. Your child's first year gently supports belonging, confidence and social connection, while the second year builds on these foundations as children prepare for school and the wider world. Our Learning for Life curriculum guides each child's kindergarten learning across the day. Our Framework of Joy underpins this, and our enrichment program incorporates music, movement, language, visual arts, sport and project work woven into meaningful learning experiences. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all preschool program, educators observe, listen and respond to children's interests. With Reggio Emilia principles guiding our practice, learning grows from children's questions, ideas and relationships, helping them feel seen, supported and excited to learn. Our kindergarten learning programs align with the Early Years Learning Framework and Victorian Kindergarten Guidelines, supporting children's development through play-based, inquiry-led learning. For eligible families, government-funded kindergarten may also help make early learning more accessible.
At Explorers, kindergarten is integrated into long day care rather than run as a separate sessional program. Children take part in the teacher-led kindergarten program within their familiar centre and can continue to access care across the day, so families do not need a separate kindergarten drop-off and pick-up.
Learning Through Exploration
Children investigate ideas, ask questions and build understanding through hands-on experiences guided by our Learning for Life curriculum.
Environments That Invite Discovery
Each kindergarten space is carefully prepared to support creativity, collaboration and play, with educators using observation to gently extend children's thinking.
A Connected Two-Year Journey
Our 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are designed to build on each other, supporting steady growth, confidence and continuity.
3-Year-Old Kindergarten
This is where your child's kindergarten journey begins. Our 3-year-old kindergarten program offers a gentle introduction to group learning, helping children feel safe, settled and connected as they begin to explore the world around them with greater independence.
Through play, sensory experiences, project work and creative expression, children are encouraged to follow their interests and build early relationships. Educators support each child's sense of belonging, helping them feel confident to share ideas, try new things and participate in daily rhythms.
Key inclusions:
- Learning for Life curriculum aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework and Victorian Kindergarten Guidelines
- Integrated long day care available at all centres
- Government-funded kindergarten available for eligible families
3 Year Old Kindergarten Program
4-Year-Old Kindergarten
Our 4-year-old kindergarten program builds on the confidence, friendships and learning foundations children have already begun to develop. As children move closer to school, they take part in deeper project work, group discussions and shared decision-making.
Led by experienced early childhood teachers, learning continues through inquiry, investigation and play. Children are supported to develop early literacy and numeracy, emotional resilience, independence and communication skills, all while holding onto the joy and curiosity that make this stage so special.
Key inclusions:
- School readiness outcomes aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework
- Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers leading the program
- Investigation-based projects that support confidence, collaboration and critical thinking
The Explorers Ready Program
As children move through their 4-year-old kindergarten year, our Explorers Ready Program helps them build the confidence, independence and sense of belonging they need for the transition to school. It's a structured, play-based program woven into the everyday rhythms of kinder — children practise building friendships, managing small responsibilities, sharing ideas, solving problems, caring for their belongings and taking part in group experiences, all in ways that feel meaningful and age-appropriate.
It isn't about rushing children into school before they're ready. It's about helping them feel capable, curious and connected, so their next big step feels positive and supported.
Explore the Ready Program in 4-Year-Old Kindergarten
Why Kindergarten Makes Such a Difference
Choosing between preschool and kindergarten options can feel like a big decision. You want to know your child will be safe, understood and supported, while also building the skills they need for school and beyond. A strong kindergarten program gives children more than a place to learn. It gives them time to build relationships, practise independence, develop confidence and discover the joy of learning alongside others.
School Readiness and Confidence
Children become familiar with routines, group learning, shared responsibilities and following instructions. Over time, this helps build independence, resilience and a calm sense of confidence as they prepare for school.
Language and Communication
Through storytelling, conversations, songs, group discussions and project work, children grow their vocabulary and learn to express their ideas clearly. They also practise listening, turn-taking and understanding instructions in natural, everyday ways.
Social and Emotional Intelligence
Kindergarten gives children daily opportunities to form friendships, work through feelings and learn how to be part of a group. With gentle educator guidance, they develop empathy, self-regulation and respect for others.
Curiosity and Critical Thinking
Children are encouraged to wonder, investigate and return to ideas over time. This supports problem-solving, focus and flexible thinking, while helping children feel proud of their discoveries.
What School Readiness Means at Explorers
Starting school is a big milestone, and it's completely natural to wonder whether your child will feel confident, capable and emotionally ready for the transition. At Explorers, school readiness is about so much more than early academics. We believe children thrive when they feel secure in themselves, connected to others and confident to approach new experiences with curiosity and resilience. Our kindergarten learning programs support children to develop the social, emotional, physical and cognitive foundations that help them transition to school with confidence. Guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and our Learning for Life curriculum, educators intentionally create experiences that nurture each child's wellbeing, independence and love of learning.
All of this comes together in our Explorers Ready Program, the structured, play-based program woven into the everyday rhythms of the 4-year-old kindergarten year — you can read more about it above. You can also learn more about how we support school readiness in our 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Program.
Wellbeing
Children develop a strong sense of belonging through nurturing relationships, predictable routines and environments where they feel safe, valued and supported.
Self-Regulation
Through play, group experiences and educator guidance, children build the foundations for focus, perseverance and emotional resilience.
Cognitive Skills
Children are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, investigate ideas and solve problems through hands-on learning experiences.
Communication
Children are supported to share ideas, listen actively, follow instructions and engage in responsive conversations.
Positive Attitudes Towards Learning
At Explorers, children are encouraged to explore, take risks, revisit ideas and feel proud of their learning.
Respect for Diversity
Children learn alongside others from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences, helping them build empathy and inclusiveness.
Autonomy and Independence
Children are gently encouraged to develop independence in everyday routines and self-care tasks.
A Supported Transition to School
Our educators work closely with families to support each child's kindergarten transition in ways that feel calm, positive and reassuring.
How Reggio Emilia Influences Our Kindergarten Programs
At Explorers, kindergarten learning is guided by our Learning for Life curriculum and supported by our Framework of Joy. We are also inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which sees children as capable, curious and full of potential.
In both our 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, children are invited to take an active role in their learning. Their ideas help shape projects, conversations and investigations, allowing learning to feel personal and connected rather than rushed or predetermined.
Educators work alongside children as listeners, observers and guides. They document learning, notice patterns in children's thinking and use these insights to plan experiences that extend curiosity in meaningful ways.
The environment is also treated as an important part of the learning experience. Kindergarten rooms, Piazza spaces and outdoor environments are thoughtfully prepared with open-ended materials, natural textures and spaces for collaboration, giving children many ways to express what they know and imagine.
Across the two years of preschool and kindergarten, children build confidence, communication and independent thinking as they move through their kindergarten transition and prepare for school.
Nature-based learning also extends beyond the kindergarten room. Explore Bush Kinder to see how children build curiosity, resilience and connection with place outdoors.
The Reggio Emilia approach in practice:
- Play-based and inquiry-led learning that gives children time to explore ideas deeply
- Projects that support collaboration, communication and self-regulation
- Everyday language and literacy experiences that build a strong foundation for future learning
- Hands-on numeracy experiences that encourage problem-solving and logical thinking
- Educators who listen, document and respond to children's ideas with care and intention
Why Explorers for Your Child's Kindergarten Journey
When you are choosing a kindergarten preschool program, it is natural to want more than a checklist. You want to feel confident that your child will be known, nurtured and encouraged by educators who genuinely understand early learning. At Explorers, each part of the kindergarten journey is thoughtfully planned so children feel secure, included and ready to learn. From our qualified teachers to our calm learning environments, every detail is designed to support your child's sense of belonging and joy.
Reggio-Inspired Practice
Our educators take part in ongoing professional learning, including Reggio-informed practice. This shapes how they listen to children, respond to their ideas and create meaningful kindergarten learning experiences.
Qualified Early Childhood Teachers
Our kindergarten programs are led by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, supported by Diploma and Certificate III qualified educators. Programs align with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
Purpose-Built Kindergarten Rooms
Kindergarten rooms are thoughtfully designed with open-ended materials, cosy spaces, a Piazza and opportunities for children to create, investigate and revisit their thinking.
Government Funding Eligible
Explorers Early Learning is an approved provider of funded kindergarten. Many families can access free or subsidised kindergarten, depending on eligibility and the program available at their centre.
Fresh Meals Included
Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks prepared fresh each day by our in-house chef, supporting their wellbeing and giving them energy for a full day of learning and play.
Connected Kindergarten Programs
Our 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs are designed as a connected journey. Your child's learning portfolio grows with them, capturing their ideas, progress and special moments along the way.
Understanding Kindergarten Funding and the Child Care Subsidy
Explorers Early Learning is an approved provider of funded kindergarten. For many families, this means kindergarten fee savings may be available depending on their child's age, eligibility and the type of program offered at their centre.
When kindergarten is delivered within a long day care setting (like Explorers), families may also be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. Because every family's circumstances are different, our Child Care Subsidy Calculator is a helpful place to start when estimating your fees and potential savings.
Our team can also talk you through government kindergarten funding, Child Care Subsidy options and what may apply to your child.
Preparing Your Child for the Transition to School
As your child approaches school age, it is completely natural to wonder how they will manage the change. A strong kindergarten transition is about more than early academics. It supports confidence, independence, emotional readiness and the ability to connect with others.
At Explorers, children are gently supported through experiences that reflect the rhythms of school while still honouring the play, imagination and relationships that matter so much in early childhood.
Children begin to take part in group discussions, follow instructions, manage small responsibilities and practise caring for their belongings. They also build the social and emotional skills that help them feel comfortable in new environments.
Children are supported to develop:
- Emotional self-regulation and independence for a new school environment
- Early literacy and numeracy through everyday learning experiences
- Strong peer relationships and collaboration skills through group project work
- Confidence and school readiness, supported by transition documentation shared with their new school
Secure Your Child's Kindergarten Place at Explorers
Starting kindergarten is an important step in your child's early learning journey. Beginning in the 3-year-old program gives children time to feel settled, build relationships and grow into the 4-year-old kindergarten experience with people and places they already know.
If you are exploring childcare in Melbourne or looking for a kindergarten program close to home, we would love to help you find the right fit for your family. You can explore our 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, find Explorers ELC near you, or book a tour at your local centre.
FAQs
What age is kindergarten at Explorers?
At Explorers, our kindergarten program supports children aged 3 to 5 years. This includes a 3-year-old kindergarten program and a 4-year-old kindergarten program, designed as a connected two-year journey. Each stage builds gently on the last, helping your child feel confident, capable and ready for their next step.
What is the difference between the 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs?
Our 3-year-old Kindergarten Program gently introduces children to routines, group experiences and early learning concepts that support a smooth transition into 4-year-old kindergarten.
The 3-year-old kindergarten program helps children feel settled, build early friendships and begin sharing their ideas in a group learning environment. Learning happens through play, relationships and shared experiences guided by children's interests.
The 4-year-old kindergarten program builds on these foundations with a greater focus on school readiness, communication, independence and problem-solving. Children take part in deeper project work, group discussions and collaborative learning as they prepare for school.
What is the Reggio Emilia approach in kindergarten?
The Reggio Emilia approach is a way of thinking about children as capable, curious and full of ideas. At Explorers, this means educators listen closely, observe carefully and use children's interests to help shape meaningful learning experiences.
Our kindergarten program is guided by our Learning for Life curriculum and enriched by our Framework of Joy, with Reggio Emilia principles influencing how educators respond to children's thinking through play, projects and shared discovery.
Is kindergarten at Explorers government-funded?
Yes. Explorers Early Learning is an approved provider of funded kindergarten, so many families can access free or low-cost kindergarten as part of their child's preschool program, depending on eligibility.
Our team can talk you through what applies to your family and help you understand your options.
What is Free Kinder?
The government provides a subsidy for children attending kindergarten in a Long Day Care (LDC) setting, such as Explorers, reducing your out of pocket costs.
This applies to both 3 and 4 year old kindergarten.
Free Kinder is a maximum of $2,100* per calendar year for each child attending 15 hours plus per week. If you choose to attend only 1 day (7.5 hours) in 3 year old kindergarten, your child is eligible for $1,050*.
It's important to note that children can only receive Free Kinder funding at one service. Therefore, if you're enrolled at multiple Kindergartens or Long Day Care (LDC) centres, you must nominate which service will receive Free Kinder funding.
For more information on Free Kinder, please visit the Victorian Government Website.
*Reflects the amount for 2025. Subject to change.
How does the Explorers kindergarten program prepare children for school?
Our program supports a smooth kindergarten transition by helping children develop the confidence, independence and social skills they need for school and beyond. Children take part in group experiences, follow familiar routines and build early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills through everyday learning.
There is also a strong focus on emotional readiness. Children are supported to manage new situations, form friendships, ask for help and take on small responsibilities, helping them feel more secure as they move into a school environment.
What do children learn in a kindergarten program?
In our kindergarten program, children build confidence and skills through play, guided experiences and project work. As part of early learning kindergarten, learning aligns with the five outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework, supporting identity, communication, wellbeing, confident learning and connection to the world.
Our Learning for Life curriculum, enriched by the Framework of Joy, helps children explore ideas, express themselves and build understanding over time. Reggio Emilia principles also shape how educators respond to children's interests and extend their thinking.
Can my child attend the kindergarten program if they are in long day care?
Yes. Our kindergarten program can be delivered within a long day care setting, allowing your child to take part in an integrated preschool program while also accessing care across the day.
This gives children the comfort of familiar educators, routines and spaces, while giving families greater flexibility.