“Play builds the kind of ‘free-and-easy’, ‘try-it-out’, ‘do-it-yourself’ character that our future needs.”
- James L. Hymes.
FAQs
What age does my child need to be to attend Kindy?
Hillarys Community Kindy offers a four year old program, just like school based Kindy’s. You can enrol your child if they are four years of age or will be turning four by the 30th of June in the year they are attending.
What is the cost to attend?
Just like public primary schools, our Kindy requests a voluntary payment for each child as set by the Department of Education which is currently $60.
Additional costs are currently $50 per term, per child which is a contribution the parents have chosen to pay rather than fundraising. This amount allows us to run a rich, well resourced program that covers the cost of excursions, incursions, cooking supplies, art materials etc.
Can we still enrol if we live outside the catchment area?
Yes! We accept enrolments from all surrounding areas.
In fact, because our kindy offers such a unique, play-based program, we find that many families travel from outside of the catchment. They specifically seek out this wonderful kindy experience for their children.
We follow the Education Department guidelines for enrolments. If you are interested in enrolling, taking a tour of our kindy or if you just need more information, we encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible.
What days and times will my child attend?
Our program operates on a 5-day per fortnight schedule. Currently we have two groups.
One group will attend Mondays, Wednesdays and alternate Fridays. The other group will attend Tuesdays, Thursdays and alternate Fridays. We try our best to accommodate each family’s preference.
The gate opens at 8.45am and parents are welcome to join their child as they complete the set obstacle course. A bell will ring at 9.00am to indicate the start of our formal program and this is an ideal time for parents to leave the Kindy. Pick up time is 2.45pm.
Do you teach to the National Curriculum?
Absolutely! We deliver the same curriculum as every public Kindergarten. The curriculum embraces the underlying principles of the Early Years Learning Framework and the Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines.
It is the way the curriculum is delivered that sets us apart…
Through engaging, play-based activities children build fundamental skills in socialising, communication, emotional development, problem-solving and motor skills.
Literacy and numeracy skills are intentionally built into innovative and engaging ‘play’ so the children find the learning fun and purposeful.
Will attending Hillarys Community Kindy affect getting into our local school for Pre-Primary?
Not at all. Public schools must offer a place in Pre-Primary for every child that lives in the catchment area, regardless of the Kindy they attended.
How many children will be in my child's class?
Our class sizes range from 16-20 children. There will always be a Teacher and an Education Assistant in attendance adhering to the ratio set down by the National Quality Standards of 10 children per 1 adult.
Can parents be involved in the classroom?
Yes! Parent participation and support is greatly appreciated in our classroom, it is valued highly by the students and is an important part of your child’s Kindy experience.
It provides continuity for the child between home and Kindy and the opportunity to see your child interact with others.
We have a ‘Parent Roster’ to encourage parents or guardians to come and assist with a variety of learning activities and outdoor play. This structure allows teachers to have more one-on-one contact with each child.