By Emma Thomas
When you become a parent you are faced with so many choices… What hospital will you have your baby at? How will you approach feeding, sleeping and starting solids? What childcare options will you choose and where will you send your child to school?
One of the questions you might be considering is what Kindergarten Program your child should attend. There is a lot of information out there for families, so we wanted to share some of the most important bits with you.
In Queensland children can attend a Kindergarten program in the year before they begin formal schooling. They need to turn 4 by the 30th of June in the year in which they attend. Children born from 1 July 2018 to the 30th June 2019 will be eligible for Kindy in 2023. Kindergarten programs are funded and approved by the state government.
Types of Programs
Children can attend a Kindy program either in the Kindy Room of an Early Learning Centre or at a stand-alone Kindergarten. There are many benefits to each type of program and your choice will depend on the needs of your child and family. It is helpful to attend any information session or open days and try to meet your child’s Kindergarten teacher as you make your decision.
Kindergarten is an important year in your child’s development and sets the foundation for future learning. It is a time where children learn through play and develop the skills they will need to thrive at school and become life long learners.
Kindy at Arden
Here at Arden we run an exceptional Kindergarten program, 5 days per week in our Kindy room. We offer flexible hours and days to suit families and are open through the school holidays.
Our Kindy teacher plans a high quality, play based program which covers all areas of child development. We offer extra programs such as Happy Feet and Billy’s Buddies to further extend on the children’s interests.
Children attending our Kindy program are still eligible for Child Care Subsidy payments and the centre also receives additional Kindy Funding.
One of the great things about Arden is that all meals are included and cooked by our in house chef! Our children can get involved with growing, picking and making food.
As an early learning centre we offer care for children from babies through to school age. This means that your child can attend a Kindergarten program in a centre in which they are already settled and have good relationships with friends and educators. Also siblings are able to attend the same centre, this makes drop off and pick up more convenient for families.
All approved Kindergarten programs must be delivered by a bachelor qualified teacher and use the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines.
We hope that you will choose Arden for your child’s Kindergarten year and welcome any further questions that you have!
