Preschool & kindergarten
Designed exclusively for children aged 3 to 5 year olds, KU's high quality preschool and kindergarten programs spark curiosity, build confidence and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
What are KU's preschool and kindergarten programs?
KU’s preschool (NSW) and kindergarten (VIC) programs are play-based educational programs, designed exclusively for children in the years prior to school.
In every KU service, our preschool and kindergarten programs are led by university qualified early childhood teachers. The educational programs take a holistic approach to your child’s development, extending their competencies and skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
KU’s preschool and kindergarten programs are delivered in a range of settings including:
NSW preschools
KU’s NSW preschools are services that cater specifically to children of preschool age (3 to 5 year olds) with priority given to children in the year before school. Preschools operate four terms a year with preschool closedown in between. Children bring their own lunch.
KU preschools in NSW receive funding from the NSW Government to make preschool more affordable for families. NSW preschools are not eligible for Child Care Subsidy.
Victorian kindergartens
KU’s Victorian kindergartens (also known as sessional kindergartens) are services that only enrol children of kindergarten age (3 to 5 year olds) with priority given to children in the year before school. Kindergartens operate four terms a year with term breaks in between. Children bring their own lunch.
KU kindergartens in Victoria receive funding from the Victorian Government, which has been applied by KU to ensure kindergarten fees are at no cost to families. Victorian kindergartens are not eligible for Child Care Subsidy.
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Why are the preschool / kindergarten years so important?
Preschool and kindergarten aged children are at a time in their lives where they are gaining independence, becoming more confident as individuals and gaining a greater understanding of their role as citizens within the world.
The skills children develop in a KU preschool or kindergarten program become the foundation for lifelong learning, and in fact, can positively shape the way they approach learning for the rest of their lives.
What can you expect to see in a KU preschool / kindergarten program?
We encourage children to develop positive relationships and connections so that they begin to trust in their ability to take responsibility and challenge ideas.
Children are provided with the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of learning experiences including gardening, creative arts, music and movement, block building, sand and water play, science experiments, early numeracy activities such as counting and measurement, and early literacy activities such as reading, drawing and writing.
Other activities your child will experience include group games where children can take ownership and be leaders in their play. Children are also encouraged to engage in small group experiences that build on their capabilities and confidence, as well as with their educators in caring for their learning environment and caring for each other.
Ensuring quality
KU has long had an unwavering commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education. Our National Quality Standard Ratings exceed the national average and we are committed to continually raising the bar.
Each KU service has a highly experienced Education and Quality Manager who plays a crucial role in upholding our high standards. They collaborate closely with the service team to ensure the delivery of quality early childhood education that prioritises strong relationships with children, families and communities, as well as compliance with National Law and Regulations.
With this specialist support, KU services are empowered to consistently deliver quality that you can trust, with teaching approaches that are evidence-based and informed by best practice.
Inclusion in preschool / kindergarten
At KU we value inclusion and diversity, and advocate for the rights of all children and their families to have a sense of belonging and wellbeing in our services. KU recognises the need to specifically support services to give vulnerable children the best start.
Each KU service has an Education Support Manager and access to our Autism Support Team. The team have expert knowledge in supporting children with additional needs including children with diagnosed disabilities, developmental delay, challenging behaviour, and social and emotional difficulties.
The manager or a support team member may visit the service your child attends by direct request of the family, the service, or as a part of the educational program implementation.
KU John J Carroll parent
The preschool’s emphasis on learning through play, the nurturing environment and the sense of community has really helped my two children become respectful, caring and interesting little human beings, as well as giving them the space they need to be ready for school.
KU Koo Wee Rup Kindergarten parent
I particularly appreciate the welcoming and friendly atmosphere created by the staff. The educational activities are diverse and engaging, promoting both academic and social development. The centre is clean, safe, and well-equipped with a variety of learning materials. I also value the regular conversations and communication, including updates on our child’s progress and upcoming events.
