A purposeful final year before school
Meraki Early Learning Centres Mooroolbark offers a full four-year-old Kindergarten program, every Monday to Friday during school terms each year.
Our Bachelor-qualified Kindergarten teacher, Miss Ash, provides a wholesome program that encapsulates the needs of all of the children individually and collectively, and plans for their growth and development.
Inside the program
The very carefully planned program spans across a large light-filled room, offering 22 students a place each day. The room is designed to incorporate both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the day, allowing children the agency to make their own decisions about the activities they choose to engage in.
Throughout the day there are purposeful group sessions that provide a structured learning opportunity to help the children develop the necessary skills to transition into school life in the following year.
Miss Ash is an active member of the local community, embedding cultural experiences into the Kindergarten program and offering opportunities for the children to be involved in local community projects.
Lunches are provided for all children, adapting to all dietary and allergy needs. In term four, children are encouraged to bring a packed lunch to the service in a lunchbox to start to get them used to what it will be like at school.
There are lots of opportunities for parents and caregivers to be involved in the program and attend the service to assist and spend special time with your child and their friends. If this is something you're interested in, please reach out to one of our educators in the Kindergarten room.
Inside the kinder room
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions families ask about enrolment, the daily program, and what to bring to four-year-old kinder.
How do I enrol my child in four-year-old kinder at Meraki Mooroolbark?
You can register your interest through our enrolment page or by contacting the centre directly. Places are limited to 22 children per day, so we recommend enrolling early — ideally the year before your child is due to start. Our team will guide you through the paperwork, including the Department of Education kindergarten enrolment forms.
Is the program funded by the Victorian Government?
Yes. Our four-year-old kindergarten is a funded program delivered by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher, in line with the Victorian Government's funded kindergarten requirements. Eligible families also receive Free Kinder funding, which significantly reduces the cost.
How old does my child need to be to start?
Children need to be four years old by 30 April in the year they start four-year-old kinder, in line with Victorian Government guidelines. If you're unsure whether your child is ready or eligible, our team is happy to talk it through with you.
What does a typical day look like?
The day combines free indoor / outdoor play, small-group experiences, purposeful whole-group sessions led by Miss Ash, mealtimes, rest and outdoor adventure. Children have agency to choose activities while educators intentionally weave in literacy, numeracy, science, the arts and social-emotional learning.
What hours and days does kinder run?
Four-year-old kinder runs Monday to Friday during Victorian school terms. Because we're an integrated early learning centre, families can choose a kinder-only day or a full childcare day that wraps before- and after-kinder care around the program — whichever suits your family.
Are meals included or do I need to pack lunch?
Lunches are provided for all children, adapted to dietary and allergy needs, along with morning tea, afternoon tea and a late snack. In term four, children are encouraged to bring a packed lunch in a lunchbox once or twice a week to help them get used to what it will be like at school.
What should my child wear and bring each day?
Comfortable play clothes that can get messy, sturdy closed-toe shoes for outdoor play, a sun hat (broad-brim or legionnaire) in terms 1 and 4, a labelled drink bottle, a change of clothes, a sleep comforter if needed, and a backpack. We provide sunscreen, art smocks and all program materials.
Do you have a uniform?
No — we want children comfortable and free to explore, paint, dig and climb. Just send them in clothes you don't mind getting paint, mud or food on.
How do you support the transition to school?
Throughout the year, Miss Ash builds school-readiness skills like self-regulation, listening in groups, problem-solving, early literacy and numeracy. We complete a Transition Learning and Development Statement for each child to share with their school, and host conversations about the move to Prep in term four.
Can parents and caregivers be involved in the program?
Absolutely. There are lots of opportunities to come in and spend special time with your child and their friends — sharing a skill, reading stories, helping on excursions or joining community projects. Just let one of our kindergarten educators know you're interested.
What if my child has additional needs, allergies or a medical condition?
Please let us know on enrolment. We'll work with you and any allied health professionals to build an individual plan, including any required Medical Management and Risk Minimisation Plans, so your child can participate fully and safely.
Can I book a tour to see the kinder room?
Yes — we'd love to show you around. Tours are the best way to meet Miss Ash, see the room and outdoor space in action, and ask any questions specific to your child.
Have another question? Get in touch with our team.
Secure your child's place with Miss Ash
Book a tour to see the four-year-old kinder room and chat about the transition to school — places are limited to 22 children.