ENROLMENTS have opened for three- and four-year-old kinder in the Surf Coast Shire in 2022, and parents are invited to sign up their child in the second round of applications.<\/p>\n
With the introduction of funded three-year-old kinder across Victoria, children will be able to strengthen the foundations of education through play over two years instead of one.<\/p>\n
From next year, three-year-olds in the Surf Coast Shire will be eligible for five hours of funded kindergarten. This will grow to 15 hours in the coming years.<\/p>\n
Children heading to kinder in the Surf Coast Shire will experience a wide-ranging program, including learning \u201cHeads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes\u201d in Wadawurrung language, finger painting, water play, and exploring a vibrant Indigenous garden.<\/p>\n
Torquay Kindergarten teacher Meredith Dick couldn\u2019t be happier about the extended funded programs set for next year, and likened her experience of the coastal kinder to a mini-ecosystem.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe as educators recognise that children are the experts when it comes to play,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way we set up our programs and our beautiful room supports a kind of mini ecosystem – a fine balance of independence and engagement, where children explore their sense of self and develop their idea of community.\u201d<\/p>\n
With music and movement also embedded into the programs, three-year-old groups in particular love to learn through expressing themselves with their bodies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful watching as children engage with music and slowly transition from parallel play to co-operative and interactive engagement with their peers,\u201d Ms Dick, a kindergarten teacher for 34 years, said.<\/p>\n
\u201cImportant life skills are supported by the current three-year-old kinder program – and next year, with funded three-year-old kinder, more children will have the opportunity to thrive in this setting.\u201d<\/p>\n
To apply for your child\u2019s place in 2022, head to the Surf Coast Shire’s website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ENROLMENTS have opened for three- and four-year-old kinder in the Surf Coast Shire in 2022, and parents are invited to sign up their child in the second round of applications. With the introduction of funded three-year-old kinder across Victoria, children will be able to strengthen the foundations of education through play over two years instead […]<\/p>\n