Rockbank Kindergarten

Play is an important aspect for young children learn as they are free to experiment, express creativity and trial new ideas without fear of failure. The role of educators is to encourage children to challenge themselves, ask questions, and extend ideas as well as providing social and emotional support.

At Rockbank Kindergarten the curriculum is based on the children’s interests, needs and wishes. Intentional teaching experiences are planned with the aim to develop specific skills and knowledge. Staff record observations and reflect on the program at the conclusion of each session to assist in future planning of the curriculum.

We are respectful of each child’s cultural and religious background and value these individual differences. We aim to educate children about cultural differences through specific play based curriculum. Our curriculum is guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and also ties in with the National Quality Standards.

Our kindergarten is part of a small rural community and we endeavour to form bonds with local schools and community groups. We aim to ensure a comfortable transition for the children from kindergarten to school and encourage families to visit the kinder at our annual open night as well as attend our orientation day.

Educators at Rockbank Kindergarten remain professionally active and up to date with contemporary practises in Early Childhood Education. Bachelor trained staff are registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and participate in ongoing professional development.

At Rockbank Kindergarten we encourage family involvement through inviting families to attend special events, forming a fundraising group and inviting parents to assist in session time activities. Parents are also encouraged to share any special skills or hobbies they have with the group.

Staff at Rockbank Kindergarten meet regularly to set improvement goals for the centre and maintain a quality improvement plan focusing on the seven Quality Standards. We encourage parents input in what they would like their child to achieve at kindergarten which we use to help set learning goals and plan special events and incursions to make children’s time at kindergarten a positive and meaningful experience.

Our Kindergarten provides children with an enjoyable and comprehensive early education. We respect each child’s individuality and nurture every child’s physical, mental and spiritual needs in a warm and caring environment.

The Victorian Government provides funding to support children to access a high quality kindergarten program in the two years before they start school. This helps to ensure all Victorian children get the best start in life.

From 2023, the Victorian Government is making kindergarten programs free for three and four-year-old children – saving you and your family up to $2,500 per year for their program. Free Kinder is a critical component of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reform.