Starting kindergarten is a big moment in your child’s early years. At Creative Hands Early Learning Centre, we see these years not just as preparation for school, but as a powerful opportunity to nurture confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
In this post, we explore the benefits of kindergarten, how it supports school readiness, and what makes our government-funded kindergarten program unique.
What is Kindergarten in Victoria?
In Victoria, children can access two years of government-funded kindergarten, typically starting with 3-Year-Old Kindergarten and moving into 4-Year-Old Kindergarten the following year. These programs are led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and offer 15 hours of kindergarten per week.
At Creative Hands, our kindergarten programs are fully integrated into our long day care hours. That means families enjoy the convenience of extended care, with the added benefit of a quality, funded early learning program built into the day.
To learn more about eligibility and how to get started, visit our How to Enrol page.
The benefits of kindergarten go beyond academics
Many families associate kindergarten with learning letters and numbers — and while that’s certainly part of it, kindergarten is about so much more.
Children develop essential life skills that help them grow into confident, capable learners. These include:
- Social skills such as sharing, taking turns, listening, and negotiating
- Emotional development through managing feelings, resolving conflict, and building friendships
- Cognitive skills such as memory, problem-solving, and language development
- Physical development through gross and fine motor play
These skills form the foundation for a positive transition into school and support your child’s future success — both in and beyond the classroom.
Building confidence through independence
One of the most powerful benefits of kindergarten is the development of independence.
At Creative Hands Early Learning, we support children to make small choices, take on responsibilities, and try new things in a safe, supportive environment. Whether it’s putting on their own shoes, packing away toys, or choosing a story for group time, children learn that they are capable — and that builds confidence.
Independence also means learning how to manage daily routines. Our educators gently guide children as they learn to follow a schedule, transition between activities, and understand what’s coming next — all key preparation for the structure of primary school.
Want to learn more about our approach? Explore our Curriculum page to see how we support each stage of your child’s development.
Social skills and the joy of connection
Social development is a key focus of our kindergarten programs.
Through group play, storytelling, projects, and everyday routines, children learn how to:
- Communicate with others
- Build friendships
- Work in teams
- Solve problems together
- Show empathy and understanding
In our inclusive and respectful environment, every child is supported to find their voice and learn how to connect with others in meaningful ways.
A play-based approach that encourages real learning
At Creative Hands, we follow a play-based learning approach because research shows that children learn best when they are actively engaged in experiences that are meaningful to them.
Play is not just fun — it’s essential. Through play, children explore, create, question, and discover. In our kindergarten classrooms, this looks like:
- Building towers to learn about balance and measurement
- Using pretend play to explore emotions and relationships
- Investigating insects in the garden and asking questions about nature
- Drawing and writing to express ideas
- Counting and sorting during games and activities
Each experience is carefully guided by our educators to support learning goals, aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
Want to understand how this aligns with your child’s age? Visit our Information for New Families page for more details about what to expect.
Government-funded kindergarten: equal access to quality education
One of the most exciting developments in early learning is the expansion of funded kindergarten across Victoria.
At Creative Hands, eligible children can attend our 3 and 4-Year-Old Kindergarten programs at no additional cost. This makes high-quality early education more accessible to families, while maintaining the high standards we’re known for.
Children must turn three or four by 30 April in the year they start, depending on the program. If you’re unsure about eligibility or start dates, our Enrolments Team is here to help.
How kindergarten supports school readiness
Kindergarten plays a vital role in preparing your child for a smooth, confident start to school.
Throughout the year, children develop:
- Early literacy and numeracy through stories, discussions, writing, and counting games
- Critical thinking and creativity through open-ended problem-solving and imaginative play
- Physical confidence through outdoor play, movement games, and fine motor tasks like drawing and cutting
- Resilience and adaptability by working through challenges and learning new routines
Our 4-Year-Old Kindergarten program, in particular, is designed with school readiness in mind — helping children feel emotionally secure, socially prepared, and eager to keep learning.
What sets our kindergarten program apart?
At Creative Hands, our kindergarten programs are:
- Led by qualified, caring educators who know how to bring out the best in each child
- Integrated with long day care so working families can enjoy flexibility
- Delivered in warm, welcoming environments where every child feels safe and supported
- Guided by strong relationships with families, ensuring consistency between home and care
- Backed by a clear curriculum that supports curiosity, wellbeing, and school readiness
We’re proud to be part of your child’s journey — from their very first day to the confident learner they become.
Ready to start?
If you’re looking for a kindergarten program that builds more than just school skills, Creative Hands is here for you. Our programs support the whole child — helping them grow with joy, independence, and confidence.
Call us on 03 8678 1445 or book a tour online to learn more about enrolling in our kindergarten program in Point Cook, Werribee or Shepparton.
