Kindergarten at Maples Funded Three and Four Year Old Program
Maples Kindergarten offers a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for three and four-year-old children, providing a strong foundation for their early years.
Our programs cater to families seeking both funded and unfunded options, with flexible full-time and part-time schedules designed to suit individual needs. At Maples, children learn under the guidance of highly experienced, bachelor-qualified teachers who are passionate about early childhood education.
Our curriculum is Reggio Emilia inspired, encouraging creativity, exploration, and a love of learning through child-led, play-based experiences. With a strong focus on school readiness, Maples Kindergarten ensures every child develops the confidence, curiosity, and skills needed for a smooth and successful transition into primary school.
Funded Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten program is delivered over a two-year journey that begins with the three-year-old Kindergarten Program. After completing their first enriching year, children transition into the four-year-old Kindergarten Program, building on their early learning experiences and preparing confidently for primary school.
Three-Year-Old Kindergarten The first year of our Kindergarten program at Maples focuses on creating consistency in relationships, routines, and early learning experiences. Children are supported in developing social skills, emotional confidence, and a strong sense of belonging in a nurturing and play-rich environment.
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten In the second year, our four-year-old Kindergarten Program extends the foundations established during the previous year. With a focus on school readiness, children engage in experiences designed to enhance their communication, independence, and problem-solving skills. Our program helps ensure a smooth and successful transition into primary school, fostering lifelong learning habits and confidence.
What is Free Kinder Your Free Kinder Subsidy
The Free Kinder initiative is a Victorian Government subsidy designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families with children enrolled in kindergarten programs within Long Day Care (LDC) settings, such as Maples. It supports access to early education for both three- and four-year-old children.
Funding Amounts and Eligibility Families whose children attend 15 hours or more per week in a funded kindergarten program are eligible for up to $2,101 per calendar year per child.For families opting for one day (approximately 7.5 hours) per week of funded three-year-old kindergarten, the subsidy is $1,050 per year.
Why families choose Maples for their Kinder years
Extended Hours for Working Families
Extended hours provide working families with the flexibility and peace of mind they need to balance their jobs while ensuring their child receives consistent, high-quality early education and care.
Prep for Prep Program
Funded children will enjoy regular access to a Primary School Trained Teacher who leads our structured, Reggio-inspired school readiness initiative known as the Prep for Prep program.
Stronger Social Connections
At Maples children build strong, meaningful connections that are vital to their social and emotional development through regular engagement with educators, peers, and the wider learning community.
Smooth Transitions
Maples ensures a smooth and confident transition to school through regular family meetings, direct collaboration with local schools, and our dedicated Prep for Prep program that supports every child's readiness for their next learning journey.
School Connections
Our kindergarten actively engages with local primary schools through planned visits to local schools, welcoming school teachers into our environment, and sharing detailed transition reports to ensure each child’s individual strengths and needs are understood and supported as they move into their next stage of learning.
Flexibility and Funding
The Free Kinder subsidy significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for families, with savings applied fortnightly and passed directly into family accounts to support accessible, high-quality early education.
Inspiring Learning Environments
Our indoor and outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, foster growth, and encourage exploration. Each environment offers unique opportunities for children to connect, create, and thrive.
