3YO Kindergarten Program

Our high quality, play-based three year old program enables children to learn, make sense of the world around them and develop skills and abilities in a supportive, caring and nurturing environment.

It focuses on building independence and self-confidence to engage in new experiences and embraces the learning outcomes of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework; Identity, Community, Wellbeing, Learning and Communication.

The three year old program has an emphasis on having fun while extending children’s social experiences and supporting them to learn collaborative skills such as sharing, turn taking and co-operating with others. The children are supported to build strong bonds with their teachers and peers, helping them to develop a sense of belonging.

Every child attending the three year old program is given time, space and support to experience and develop in their own individual way. Educators tailor the program according to each child’s needs, and provide a stimulating, encouraging and engaging ‘hands-on’ environment. This program is a wonderful transition to 4 year old kindergarten.

When it comes to early learning, research shows that two years of kindergarten are better than one. Taking part in a quality kindergarten program at an earlier age has positive effects on child development, wellbeing and learning.

Funded three year old kindergarten is available at Crossway Preschool. This means an extra year of learning, playing and making friends for children and having qualified educators assisting children’s learning and development through a range of play based learning experiences, such as exploring the natural world, being exposed to new ideas and problem solving.

To be eligible for the three year old kindergarten program, children must have turned three years of age on or before April 30 in the year of attendance. Please note, due to regulatory staff to child ratios based on age, a child cannot commence the kindergarten program until they have turned three years old.

From 2022 onwards, all children attending three year old kindergarten will transition to four year old kindergarten the following year. As a result of this it is important for families to carefully consider the best time to enrol their child in three year old kindergarten, as there will not be the option for a child to repeat the three year old program. Please contact the preschool if you would like to discuss this further.

Enrolment Information

Thank you for considering Crossway Preschool for your child’s education. Our preschool takes part in an online centralised registration system for both 3 and 4 year old enrolments, which is organised by Bayside City Council. For details of the registration process, please see the Council’s website.

If you would like further information about Crossway Preschool, or assistance with the enrolment process, or to organise a tour of our facilities, please email us or phone 03 9592 0104 and speak with our friendly staff.

For 2023 enrolments, please see the Council’s website and contact them regarding vacancies, or contact the preschool directly.