Frequently asked questions
What is Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is a program for children in the year prior to starting primary school.
Kindergarten aims to provide a quality program based on play, enabling children to develop social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills which in turn will prepare them for their whole life.
Three or 4 year old programs are available at either ‘stand alone’ kindergartens or at long day care centres that employ qualified early childhood teachers.
What will my child learn and experience?
- Social skills and creative expression, learning to get along with others.
- Emotional and language skills.
- Positive attitudes of self-respect, initiative, negotiation, co-operation and respect of others.
- Fine and gross motor skills.
- Play skills.
- Art and craft.
- Music, dance and movement.
Why should I send my child to kindergarten?
- Kindergarten gives children the opportunity to grow and develop through PLAY – they way children learn best.
- Kindergarten allows children to explore the world in ways that are interesting and fun.
- Children learn to get along with others and be a member of a group.
- Children are given opportunities to touch, manipulate and experiment with materials such as paint, water, blocks, dress-ups and more.
- Kindergarten will assist with transition to school.
- Kindergartens provide an emotionally warm and intellectually stimulating environment for the children to learn and grow.
- ECMS kindergartens provide experienced and qualified early childhood teachers and assistants who develop and implement high quality programs.
What parents can do
Parents are a child’s first educator; and play is a vital role in children’s continuing development and education. As part of this development we encourage parents to:
- Accept their children for who they are
- Encourage development of their children’s own personality, creativity and talents without rushing them
- Appreciate their children’s effort rather than expect perfect results
- assist at the kindergarten when possible.
How much does kindergarten cost?
Families on health care cards receive 10 hours free kindergarten per week. Fees vary at each kindergarten depending on the number of program hours offered.
How can ECMS help?
Kindergarten programs are provided at either stand alone kindergartens or at our long day care centres throughout Victoria.
ECMS manages 40 stand alone kindergartens and operates kindergarten programs within its 7 childcare centres across the state. We offer both 3 year old and 4 year old programs.
At ECMS our aim is to ensure that your child participates in a kindergarten program that provides a happy and safe learning environment and that you as a parent feel supported in sharing the joy of their children’s early years.
For further information please contact ECMS on 8481 1100 or ecms@ecms.org.au