Programs
At AELC we value the role that play holds in our program. We share the opportunity for play between the indoor and outdoor environments and cherish opportunities where children from different groups occasionally share play spaces. Our environments are referred to as ‘the third teacher’ (Loris Mulaguzzi 1998) as educators create setups and spaces, which delight, entice, provoke and stimulate inquisitiveness for children’s exploration. Interactions with teachers, educators, others and the environment create an early childhood setting for dynamic learning.
The duration of each term follows the Victorian School Term dates. The Kindergarten is closed for public holidays and term breaks.
Our Programs
3-Year Old Kindergarten Programs (Koalas & Kangaroos)
At AELC we follow a play-based curriculum for our two three year old groups – the Kangaroos and the Koalas. Learning through play allows children to investigate topics and further their development in a meaningful way to them. The educators within the three year old rooms facilitate their learning by engaging the children in a variety of activities, responding to their ideas, interests, strengths and abilities. These activities encourage discovery, experimentation, fun and wonder, combining planned experiences and opportunities for spontaneous learning.
At AELC, we encourage families to be as involved in the sessions as they are able, lending skills, expertise and contributions from the children’s home life. We believe that this ensures the children and families feel welcome within the centre and we always look forward to building our community of learning.
3 Year-Old Koala Group
There are 22 places in the Koala Group .
2024 - sessions are on Thursday and Friday 8.45am-315pm (13 hours)
2025 - sessions are on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am-4pm (22.5 hours)
3 Year-Old Kangaroos Group
There are 22 places in the Kangaroos Group.
2024 - sessions are on Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 3.00pm. (13 hours)
2025 - sessions are on Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am-4pm (15 hours)
Emu Group (optional additional day)
2024 only - This is a multi age optional group on Wednesdays 8.30am-4pm which can be added to a Koala Group enrolment. This is a 20.5 hour program.
Eligibility
-
Children must turn three no later than 30 April in the year of attendance
-
Children must turn three before they can begin attending the program
-
A place can only be held for a child who is eligible to attend kindergarten and the family have provided the child's Birth Certificate, up to date AIR Immunisation Statement and have paid the $100 deposit.
Enrolment
Limited spaces available for 2024. Applications are now being accepted for 2025.
4-Year Old Kindergarten Program
(Wombats & Possums)
At AELC we strongly believe every child's year of kindergarten is special, and should be treated as such. It is full of wonder and curiosity. We strive to build on this curiosity, and to promote a love of learning in meaningful experiences. We believe play is the most significant way for children to learn and we provide a stimulating program that is responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities. We aim to foster children's development of positive relationships with their peers and to build on their emerging independence. Our goal is to prepare children in all aspects of development so they are ready for school, and for life.
The 4 year old program includes weekly dance classes (taught by an external teacher) and several incursions throughout the course of the year. Some of our most popular incursions include a mobile Petting Farm, Living Eggs, Captain Trash, Drama Toolbox, African Drumming, Museum Dinosaurs and Fossils etc.
4 Year-Old Possum Group
There are 22 places in the Possum Group and session times are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. This is a 22.5 hour program.
4 Year-Old Wombat Group
There are 22 places in the Wombat Group and session times are Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. This is a 15 hour program.
Emu Group (optional additional day)
This is a multi age optional day which can be added to an enrolment and operates on Wednesday 8.30am-4pm. This results in a 4 day program (30 hours) for Possum Group and a 3 day program (22.5 hours) for Wombat Group.
Eligibility
-
Children must turn four no later than 30 April in the year of attendance
-
Children turning six in the year of attendance and those wishing to enter school before they reach the eligible age must request an exemption from the Directorate of School Education
-
A place can only be held for a child who is eligible to attend kindergarten and the family have provided the child's Birth Certificate, up to date AIR Immunisation Statement and have paid the $100 deposit.
Enrolment
Limited spaces available for 2024 and applications are now being accepted for 2025.
Our programs have been deliberately designed to:
-
celebrate the identity and individuality of all children
-
promote resilience
-
facilitate a strength-based program
-
encourage growth and independence
-
nurture positive social interactions
-
harness curiosity
-
support learning which is child or educator initiated
-
enrich the learning through play
-
give children space to grow
-
promote a sense of belonging to a community
-
facilitate children’s development to the next stage of education
-
aim for high expectations of education, care, and service
-
show empathy
-
help children recognise, regulate, and express emotions
-
support children’s development of physical strength and ability
-
acknowledge cultural and physical differences
-
build children’s confidence
-
to be tolerant
-
to value others
-
to encourage communication and understanding
-
to be inclusive of all in our community
-
to have fun
For more information about the programs please
email administration@armadaleelc.vic.edu.au or leave a message on (03) 9509 3187.