Accepting Appliations for Next Year

At Waverley Meadows Preschool, our educational program is guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) v2.0, which support children's learning and development through high-quality, play-based education.Our philosophy is underpinned by the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach, where our educators work alongside children as co-learners, carefully observing, listening and extending their thinking through inquiry, investigation and collaborative project work.The learning environment is thoughtfully designed as a third teacher, providing rich opportunities for exploration, creativity and problem-solving both indoors and outdoors. Nature also plays a central role in our curriculum, with regular opportunities for children to learn through our Nature Kindergarten program and outdoor environments.By combining the VEYLDF and EYLF with Reggio Emilia principles, we create a responsive, engaging and child-centred program that nurtures curiosity, confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

Our group sizes are designed to provide children with a rich, collaborative learning environment while ensuring they receive individual support from our experienced educators.Three-Year-Old Kindergarten (Wilurrt): One group of 30 children, attending three sessions per week.Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (Djinith-djinith): One group of 30 children, attending three sessions per week (15 hours in total).M.A.G.I.C. Program: A mixed-age group of 22 children, made up of children from both our Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs, providing additional learning opportunities in a smaller group setting.Our educator-to-child ratios meet or exceed Victorian regulatory requirements, ensuring every child is supported to learn, grow and thrive within our play-based, inquiry-led program.

Waverley Meadows Preschool is part of the City of Monash Central Enrolment Scheme, with all applications managed through the City of Monash.To apply for a place, simply complete an enrolment through the Monash City Council website. Applications for the following year's Kindergarten intake close on 30 June in the year prior to attendance.After applications close, the City of Monash allocates places in accordance with its enrolment policy and priority of access guidelines. Families who receive and accept an offer will then be contacted by Waverley Meadows Preschool with further enrolment information, orientation details and everything needed to prepare for the start of kindergarten.If you have any questions about the enrolment process or would like to learn more about our preschool before applying, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Eligible families can access the Victorian Government's Free Kinder initiative, which provides up to 15 hours per week of funded Three-Year-Old or Four-Year-Old Kindergarten at no cost.As a community-managed, not-for-profit preschool, Waverley Meadows Preschool also invites families to make a voluntary contribution of $300 per term. These contributions play an important role in helping us provide the high-quality learning experiences that make our service unique and support our Exceeding rating under the National Quality Standard.Participation in the Free Kinder program is not affected by whether a voluntary contribution is made, and all children have access to the same high-quality educational program.

We have a range of t-shirts and jumpers on offer for sale to families. A uniform is not compulsory but an easy-to-wear option where children can actively and comfortably participate in the provocations on offer. A uniform order form is available in your child’s enrolment pack.

To help your child have a comfortable and enjoyable day at kindergarten, we ask that they bring:A backpack large enough to carry all of their kindergarten belongings.A named drink bottle filled with water.A healthy lunchbox (for sessions that include lunch).A piece of fruit to share during our daily Kinder Café.A warm coat or jacket during the cooler months.During our Meet, Greet and Explore sessions at the beginning of the year, our educators will provide families with a detailed list of everything your child will need, along with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth and confident start to Kinder.

Under the Victorian Government's No Jab, No Play legislation, families enrolling their child in kindergarten must provide evidence that their child is:Fully immunised for their age; orOn a recognised vaccination catch-up program; orUnable to be fully immunised for medical reasons (with an approved medical exemption).Please note that conscientious objection to vaccination is not an exemption under the legislation.As part of the enrolment process, families will be asked to provide a current Immunisation History Statement from Medicare. This helps us meet our legal obligations and maintain a safe and healthy environment for all children attending our preschool.If you have any questions about the No Jab, No Play requirements or need assistance obtaining the required documentation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're happy to help.

To be eligible for our Kindergarten programs, children must meet the Victorian age requirements:Three-Year-Old Kindergarten: Your child must turn 3 years of age on or before 30 April in the year they attend.Four-Year-Old Kindergarten: Your child must turn 4 years of age on or before 30 April in the year they attend.Under the Victorian Government's Free Kinder initiative, children are generally eligible for one funded year of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and one funded year of Four-Year-Old Kindergarten. This means families of children born between January and April may need to consider the timing of their child's kindergarten and school journey, as it may influence whether they begin school at 4 turning 5 or 5 turning 6.Every child develops at their own pace, and there is no single definition of "Kindergarten ready." Our experienced educators understand that children arrive with a wide range of experiences, abilities and personalities. We work closely with families to support each child as they settle into Kindergarten and develop confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.If you're unsure about the best time for your child to start Kinder, we'd be happy to discuss your family's individual circumstances and help you make an informed decision.