The Dandenong Centre has helped our child to grow and learn in a supportive and caring environment. Our child has developed through having a great daily routine that is well planned and Implemented. The staff are attentive and dedicated to their roles and we feel like our child is cared for with the highest commitment. We are so happy we chose Mayfield Dandenong!

— Diana

We understand that your child’s kindergarten year is an important one and the skills, knowledge and friendships they develop throughout this time will support them through their schooling years and beyond. When your child attends a kindergarten within a long day care setting, they receive uninterrupted and extended learning which facilitates maximum growth and development.

Under the guided wing of our Early Childhood Teacher, the kinder group develop their independence, self-help, social and academic skills in a structured and supportive environment.

Our innovative and emergent programs allow the children to contribute to the development of the curriculum which is guided by individual and group interests. In support of the learning outcomes, we seek for every child, the kinder group also participate in many intentional teaching experiences throughout the year such as water safety, road safety, school readiness, literacy and numeracy projects, cooking, pet awareness responsibility, health and hygiene, and many more.

What does our kindergarten look like in 2024?

• In 2024 we will be offering 15 hours of 3yo and 15 hours of 4yo kindergarten each week.
• Our formal kindergarten program operates every day between 8.30am- 4.30pm and provides for the required 15 hours of Kindergarten per child per week
• A minimum 2 days per week is required to attend the funded kindergarten program.
• Who Can access funded kinder?
• Any child who is at least three or four years old on 30 April of the year in which they are enrolled to attend
  the funded kindergarten program.
• Is enrolled for at least 15 hours per week.
• Has written confirmation from the parent that our service is their funded kindergarten and they have enrolled to participate in the kindergarten program

We understand that health and nutrition is an important corner stone of any child’s development. We take seriously our commitment to improving the health and nutrition of all children attending our centre, and make sure to adhere to national regulations.

We ensure the following:

• All members of staff ensure adequate health and hygiene practices, as well as safe practices for handling, preparing and storing food.
• that children always have access to safe drinking water and are offered food and beverages appropriate to each child’s needs on a regular basis throughout the day.
• the food or beverages provided are nutritious and adequate in quantity and chosen based on each child’s dietary requirements.
• a weekly menu is displayed and accessible to family members which accurately describes the food and beverages to be provided by the service each day.

We continue to update our health and nutrition policies as required by the Education and Care Services National Regulations. Please speak to our centre manager should you wish to learn more.