YARRA JUNCTION CHILDCARE & BUSH KINDERGARTEN
The best start for your child
Early learning and kindergarten
A time to explore, create, imagine and discover in the beautiful Yarra Valley
Our new purposely built Yarra Junction Early Years Learning Hub is now open.
A community-focused 118-place hub, is immersed in the local history and provides quality preschool programs. The service has been operating for more than 25 years in the township and some of our wonderful educators have been with us since its inception. We are committed to providing quality education and care.
Our centre is nestled in a tranquil bush setting which has an abundance of natural resources to enhance and foster the creativity and curiosity of our children, providing an enriching early learning environment. We have a bush block that facilitates our bush kinder program, allowing the children to experience the natural wonders of the bush and nature.
We have a deep understanding of the importance of the early years on children’s learning and development and we acknowledge the unique contribution that each child, family and educator makes to the educational program and our service.
Our teamPreschool / 3 & 4 Y.O kindergartenMeals and snacksFacilitiesCommunitySustainabilityExcursions and incursions
Our team
Our passionate team of educators is committed to creating a warm, nurturing and welcoming environment that inspires and encourages children to be curious and empowers them to problem solve and seek answers. Our educators engage children by using play-based learning that encourages the development of outcomes within the Early Years Learning Framework
Preschool (kindergarten)
Our preschool program (kindergarten) is delivered by an early childhood teacher. In conjunction with learning that occurs at home, kindergarten is an important stepping stone to school, equipping children with the skills and confidence they need for a seamless transition. Our school preparation program spans two years, and one of the favourite activities for the children is our lunch box days throughout Term 4.
Meals and snacks
All meals are prepared onsite in our registered kitchen, using fresh and wholesome ingredients.
Our qualified chef plans and prepares healthy meals throughout the day that are in accordance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. We have a 3-week rotating menu that includes multicultural meals that expose children to new flavours and promote cultural awareness. We also cater to dietary, allergy and anaphylaxis requirements. Water and fruit is served with each meal and milk is provided with morning tea.
The meals we provide include:
breakfast
morning tea
lunch
afternoon tea
late snack.
Our children participate in cooking experiences which provide them with fantastic learning opportunities in areas such as science (how bread rises), maths (measuring and counting) and literacy (reading recipes). In our kindergarten room the children bake bread weekly.
Facilities
Our Yarra Junction Early Learning Centre features a purpose-built early education and care room for our four-year-old kindergarten program. It is a special area full of natural light, with high ceilings and exposed beams making it the perfect learning environment.
Other facilities include:
purpose-built early education and care rooms
natural playgrounds including our bush block
daily music and movement program
Start Right Eat Right program
Go for Your Life membership
walking distance to local shops and transport
internet access
disability access.
Community
We are committed to creating and maintaining strong links with our community and strive to provide support in all we do.
Connections to our community include fortnightly visits to Estia Aged Care facility by our 4-year-old kindergarten children. Our children shine with this opportunity – something special happens when different generations spend time together and share in fun activities.
Sustainability
At Cire Early Learning, we are committed to sustainable practices and pride ourselves on educating the children on how they can help to reduce the carbon footprint of the world. We have vegetable gardens, a worm farm and recycling stations.
Excursions and incursions
We believe that excursions are an important part of our educational program as they expose children to a range of different experiences and enable them to gain a sense of their community. Our excursions and incursions include:
Upper Yarra Teddy Bears Picnic for Children’s Week
Woolworths discovery tour
Bush block
Yarra Junction CFA
Estia Aged Care
Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority as “Meeting” all areas of the National Quality Standards
FAQs
How do I know if my child is ready to start kindergarten?
We recommend you speak to your maternal and child health nurse about your child’s development.
How old does my child have to be to enrol in a kindergarten program?
For 3-year-old kindergarten, your child must turn 3 years by 30th April in the year they are attending.
For 4-year-old kindergarten, your child must turn 4 years old by 30th April in the year they are attending.
Are kindergarten teachers qualified?
Absolutely, all our kindergarten teachers have a Bachelor of Education.
Do you operate all year?
Nearly, we are open 50 weeks for the year. Closing only over Christmas/New Year period.
What should I bring?
We ask you to bring the following:
- a soft toy or comfort blanket for sleep time
- two changes of clothes.
- drink bottle
- infant formula
How much is Long Day Care Kinder Subsidy?
Children completing their three or four-year-old funded kindergarten program in Long Day Care will receive a subsidised childcare amount. This subsidy will be deducted from their fees in weekly installments throughout the year.
How to find us
6.30am – 6.30pm
39-41 Little Yarra Rd Yarra Junction 3797
