At Maribyrnong Kindergarten we offer a play-based learning curriculum that provides children with opportunities to make sense of their world as they engage actively with people and through the exploration of their environment. We will strive to offer vibrant and flexible learning environments that are responsive to the interests and abilities of each child and that cater for different learning capacities and learning styles to ensure that all children experience success in their learning and development. We have a commitment to high expectations for all children’s learning and development based on our belief that they are competent and capable individuals. Children are invited, and encouraged, to contribute and be active participants in their own learning, (make choices, take managed risks, discover, create, explore, share ideas and care for their learning environment and each other).
Parents are respected as each child’s first teacher, involving them in all aspect of the curriculum. They are encouraged to participate regularly in the classroom, at bush kinder, at family events and contribute to program development and their child’s learning journal. The kindergarten aims to be a resource to families, providing a range of information in regards to children’s development, community services and educational issues.
A typical day for your child at kinder would include:
- Morning introduction – the children meet on the mat to start the day and are given a brief outline of the activities for the session.
- Discussion/group time – generally on the mat the children are involved in an intentional group activity. This is carefully planned according to the interests of the children with specific learning outcomes in mind.
- Indoor/Outdoor Play – this includes opportunities to self select from a range of planned and spontaneous experiences in the indoor or outdoor environments. Children are provided the opportunity to spend extended periods of time in the learning environment of their choice, encouraging increased concentration and extending on their areas of interests.
- Rotational snack time – children eat a nutritious snack brought from home at a time that is dictated by their own body clock, encouraging children to recognise when they are thirsty and hungry. During this time children have the opportunity for informal discussion with peers and educators. All children are reminded and monitored to ensure they have had sufficient water and don’t forget to eat their snack.
- End of session – children pack up their activities and assemble on the mat. The Kinder door is then opened to welcome parents/grandparents/guardians into the room to collect their child.
Parents and the wider community are encouraged to contribute and provide feedback regarding the educational program. We believe the primary aim of education at the kindergarten level is to develop the skills necessary for children to become lifelong learners with an enquiring mind, who will be able to take their place in society as responsible and caring citizens.
Lanterns created by the children. 
Gumboot station at the Kinder.