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Anytime anyone asks about kindergarten’s, I tell them about Harbard St. I wouldn’t send my children anywhere else.
Our Philosophy
We believe that by working together we can create an environment which encourages and enhances each child’s learning. Our program is guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and emerges from the interests, passions and interactions of the children that attend. We know learning and developing can only happen when;
- A child feels safe and cared for
- A child is allowed to participate at their own level
- An environment is aesthetically pleasing
- A child is able to feel ownership over their environment
- A child feels respected
- Children and teachers work collaboratively
- A child is allowed periods of uninterrupted play and discovery
- A child is allowed to be spontaneous
As Early Childhood professionals we believe that learning in young children is promoted when families and educators work in partnership with each other. It is important that families feel that their needs are met and values respected.
Our Spaces / Environment
At Harbard St Kindergarten we have a large indoor and outdoor space.
Our indoor space is constantly changing. Educators change the layout of the room every term to add an element of excitement. We make use of a big comfy couch for a library area. In the room we have lots of tables, chairs, rugs, mats, cushions and a bed to cater for any learning space. The program is changed every 2 weeks based on observations of the children and what they are showing interest in.
We also have a pet lizard at Harbard St Kindergarten. His name is popcorn and he loves looking at the children. In the school holidays he actually becomes grumpy when the children are not around!
Our outdoor space is just wonderful. There is a nice collaboration of natural elements and built elements. We have lots of big, beautiful, establish trees which add beautiful shade but also drop lots of leave and small sticks to add to the children’s play which encourages a lovely use of imagination. We also have a beautiful cubby house, sand pit and swing area that are permanent learning areas. We use bikes and scooters and have a basketball ring. In the hot weather we love to bring out water play. We use a big water tub as well as a water mister and a sprinkler.
Begin the Adventure at Harbard Street Kindergarten
Inclusions
Children build on their understanding about the world through their interactions with other children, adults and their environment.
The educational program is guided by: The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. (VEYLDF). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework For Australia.
The educational program contributes to the following outcomes for each child:
- Identity – Children will have a strong sense of identity.
- Community – Children will be connected with and contribute to their world.
- Wellbeing – Children will have a strong sense of wellbeing.
- Learning – Children will be confident and involved learners.
- Communication – Children will be effective communicators.
Timetables
2022 Timetable for 3 Year Olds
3YO Integrated
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9am - 2pm
2022 Timetable for 4 Year Olds
Red Group
• Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am - 4pm
Green Group
• Tuesday & Thursday, 8.30am - 4pm
Proposed 2023 Timetable for 3 Year Olds
3YO Blue Group
•Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 8.30am - 1.30pm
Proposed 2023 Timetable for 4 Year Olds
Red Group
• Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am - 4pm
Fees - Per Term
Your child will be eligible to access free or low-cost kindergarten in any of the following circumstances:
- your child is identified by a parent, carer or legal guardian as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- your child is identified on their birth certificate as being a multiple birth child (triplets or more)
- your child holds, or has a parent or guardian who holds, one of the following:
- a Commonwealth Health Care Card
- a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
- a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card or White Card
- eligible Refugee or Asylum Seeker visa
2022 Fees for 3 Year Olds
- 3YO Integrated (Monday) Group - $165
- 3YO Integrated (Wednesday) Group - $165
2022 Fees for 4 Year Olds
- 4YO Blue Group - $500
- 4YO Red Group - $500
FAQs
What will my child learn at kindergarten?
Our curriculum is play based and draws reference form socio-cultural theories of learning and teaching.
Play requires skilled educators to be intentional in all aspects of their practices and we have built a curriculum around key focus points that reflect the National Early Years Learning Frameworks. Our curriculum is influenced by individual children’s learning styles, interests, families and intentionally planned experiences.
Should my child be toilet trained to attend?
We respect each child is an individual and develops at his/her own rate. We encourage families to have begun toilet training and will work to support their child’s development to promote a positive outcome.
Children do have toileting accidents on occasion, which are managed sensitively and discretely by educators. We ask each family to keep a complete change of clothes in their child’s bag in case children require changing. They’re also handy for when your child becomes thoroughly immersed in water play outside.
Do I need to pack sunscreen?
As a sun-safe organisation we provide child-friendly sunscreen, however if your child has sensitive skin please feel free to provide your preferred brand.