— — Programs —
Kindergarten 3-6 years
— — Kindergarten Program
Where curiosity shapes the child
Our 3–6 year Kindergarten Program blends Montessori's methodology with Victoria's funded kindergarten framework — delivering a rich, purposeful learning environment where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated.
— — Our Approach
A prepared environment for whole-child development
At Montessori Minds, we believe the earliest years of learning shape a child's identity, confidence, and love of discovery. Our Kindergarten Program is thoughtfully designed around the Montessori Children's House philosophy, while also aligning with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Within a carefully prepared environment, children aged 3–6 are supported to explore, create, and grow through self-directed learning experiences that foster independence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Children work at their own pace, develop real-life independence, and build meaningful connections within a mixed-age community that mirrors the natural rhythms of family life.
— A Meaningful Journey of Growth —
Our program supports each stage of development
Each child's learning journey is guided by clear and intentional milestones, tailored to where they are and who they are becoming.
3-Year Kindergarten
Foundation Year · Ages 3–4
Children settle into the prepared environment, building confidence, routine, and a love of exploration through sensorial discovery and practical life activities.
- Develop social skills — sharing, cooperation, communication
- Foster emotional regulation and self-awareness
- Encourage curiosity and play-based exploration
- Introduce emergent literacy and numeracy through hands-on materials
- Build fine and gross motor skills through purposeful activity
- Cultivate creativity through art, music, and movement
- Promote independence — dressing, caring for environment
- Nurture a love for nature through outdoor discovery
4-Year Funded Kinder
Victorian Government Funded · Ages 4–5
Our Victorian Government Funded Kindergarten Program (15 hrs/week) deepens academic readiness, personal identity, and communication — aligned to EYLF and VEYLDF.
- Develop reading, writing, and early numeracy foundations
- Strengthen social and emotional intelligence
- Encourage problem-solving and decision-making
- Foster curiosity and exposure to new ideas
- Build strong communication and interpersonal confidence
- Promote positive identity and self-esteem
- Prepare for the transition to formal schooling
- Engage with Indigenous perspectives and culture
— — School Readiness Program
Building confidence for what comes next
Ages 4–5
Transition to primary school is a significant milestone. At Montessori Minds, we take a thoughtful, whole-child approach — nurturing the academic, social, and emotional foundations that set children up for genuine success in school and beyond.
- 01 Trust & respect — a learning environment grounded in mutual dignity and belonging
- 02 Collaboration — working alongside peers on group activities and shared tasks
- 03 Communication — expressing thoughts and feelings clearly, confidently, and kindly
- 04 Organisation — developing order, sequencing, and self-management habits
- 05 Independence — taking initiative, completing tasks, and managing transitions
- 06 Listening & responding — following multi-step instructions in a group setting
— — What We Offer
Rich experiences across every area of learning
Our program weaves together purposeful learning experiences across a broad range of areas — building the whole child through curiosity, creativity, and real-world engagement.
Practical Life
Children care for themselves and their environment — building concentration, coordination, and independence through purposeful, real-life activities.
Sensorial
Hands-on materials refine perception and judgement across all the senses, laying the cognitive foundations for mathematics and science.
Language
A rich, sequential language journey takes children from phonemic awareness through to reading fluency and expressive writing.
Mathematics
Concrete materials make abstract concepts tangible — children explore counting, operations, and geometry through their hands before moving to symbols.
Cultural Studies
Geography, history, science, music, and visual arts are woven together — children appreciate diversity and build a sense of global belonging.
Outdoor & Nature
The outdoor space is an extension of the learning environment — children engage in gardening, exploration, and physical movement every day.
Puppet Shows
Imaginative storytelling performances nurturing creativity and emotional intelligence.
Stage Experience
Children build confidence and communication through performance and drama.
Cooking Classes
Real kitchen experiences develop maths, science, and healthy eating habits.
Language Classes
Multilingual exposure during the sensitive language period opens lifelong doors.
Dance
Rhythm, movement, and self-expression through guided dance programs each week.
Music & Instruments
Exploring melody, rhythm, and musical instruments from an early age.
Sustainability
Gardening, composting, and our Henny Penny Hatching Program build environmental stewardship.
And Much More
Road safety, NAIDOC Week, excursions, incursions & community events throughout the year.
— — Common Questions
Your questions, answered
We want every family to feel confident and informed. Here are the questions we hear most often about our Kindergarten Program.
All FAQs
Give your child the gift of joyful learning
Tour our Kindergarten rooms, meet our educators, and see the Montessori environment in action. We'd love to welcome your family to Montessori Minds.
Book a Tour