Kindergarten Program

The Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) Program is an exciting digital, play-based program which includes a series of interactive applications. The program introduces young children to languages other than English and new cultural experiences in an early learning setting, opening up a world of cultural possibilities and encouraging language learning in later years.

The ELLA Program has been developed in consultation with experts in languages, early childhood and technology and is aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum: Foundation.

The ELLA journey includes seven play-based apps called The Polyglots (a polyglot is someone who is multilingual) that focus on different topics. These apps were developed by language and early childhood professionals. They’re fun to use and they also deliver on learning outcomes.

Each child chooses which ELLA apps and games they play on Centre iPads for a total of 15 minutes every day.

This learning is then complemented by their daily program, including additional language and cultural experiences.

A distinct change for children at school is learning to eat from their lunch boxes and having the autonomy to select and ration their food for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Towards the end of the year, the children bring in their lunch boxes that they’ll be using for school. Then, we pre-pack their lunch boxes with all their meals. With Educator guidance, we then give them the opportunity to choose what they’d like to eat for their morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. This skill will help them feel comfortable with the change during their first year of Prep.

Read It Again – KindergartenQ! is a supplemental resource for Educators to foster children’s language and literacy and to support children in their transition from Kindergarten to Prep. Read It Again is designed to strengthen children’s early foundations in four key areas of language and literacy: vocabulary, narrative, phonological awareness and print knowledge.

As a long day care and Kindergarten service, we are legally required to provide a rest period for the children. However, our Outdoor Educator provides activities for the children who don’t want/need a rest. We encourage the children to participate in these activities with our Outdoor Educator to help them adjust to no longer having a nap. For the children who do still require a rest, we encourage mindfulness through meditation activities in a peaceful environment.

The children will place all their belongings in lockers situated outside their room. It’s just a small change that gives them a little more independence and helps them to become accustomed to how they’ll store their belongings at school.

A Transition Statement is prepared by your child’s Kindergarten Teacher at the end of the Kindergarten year. It’s a set of short learning summaries about your child’s progress in each learning and development area. Including the level of support your child requires in familiar and/or new situations.

This document is then forwarded to your child’s chosen school. It helps your child’s new school to understand where your child is at developmentally and socially, and how Teachers can best support them during their first school year. Parents and children are also encouraged to contribute to this document.

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) Portal Permission Form will be given to you to sign before generating the Transition Statement.

Stretton Early Years and Kindergarten is situated within an Educational Precinct, along with Stretton State College and other local schools. This provides the opportunity to develop close relationships with local schools to gain further insight into how we can help each child make a smooth transition into Prep.

During Term 4, the Kindergarten children will participate in a series of excursions to Stretton State College, Junior Campus. They’ll take a look inside a school classroom, experience what it’s like inside a school and participate in activities. Your child doesn’t have to be going to Stretton State College to attend this transition. Children who are attending Stretton State College will also have access to the School’s own Pre-Prep Transition Program from September, as well as a Tour/Talk for parents.

At the end of the year, we hold a Graduation Ceremony for the Kindergarten children. This is a very big moment for the children as it helps them to close the Kindergarten chapter and start to mentally prepare for their first year in Prep.

The children will generally perform a song and are then changed into a graduation cap and gown, ready to be presented with their certificate. It’s a lovely occasion for the children and families, and we encourage everyone to attend.

More details are given about this ceremony closer to the date.

You’re able to meet with your child’s Kindergarten Teacher at any time throughout the year to discuss any concerns.

Towards the end of the year, we’ll organise interviews with you to discuss your child’s progress, development, achievements and school readiness. This includes going through school readiness questions. These will be organised after Transition Statements have been created. You’ll receive a permission form and you’re encouraged to provide feedback.

At the start of the year, we host a Kindergarten Information night for parents and carers. This is generally held on a weeknight after hours. It’s your opportunity to meet other families enrolled in our Kindergarten Program and the Teachers and Educators in our Kindergarten Rooms, to gain an understanding of our Kindergarten Program and ask questions.