We believe in being in our community, being connected and present with the people, places and things that make us unique. We recognise that through trust and feeling safe that children’s wellbeing is strengthened. We engage a ‘primary caregiver’ approach which honours the important attachment needed for the child and family as they engage in the early childhood environment. We encourage all families to book a ccs approved childcare wantirna personalised tour to meet our team, explore our learning environments, experience our Kindergarten Program firsthand and ask any questions about your child’s early learning journey. Guided by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and an evidence-based curriculum, our program supports a smooth and confident transition to school for both children and families.
These conversations enable our teaching team to plan proactively, support each child’s individual learning journey, and ensure the kindergarten program responds to the needs and priorities of children and their families. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals. Developing the whole child includes developing positive and productive relationships between our students, families, staff members and the community.
Your child will enjoy fun learning adventures through creative indoor activities and outdoor experiences, sustainability, inclusion and diversity. We are a one room kindergarten with 30 places for 3-year-olds, and 30 places for 4-year-old children. Our aim is to foster a deep sense of connectedness between children and the natural world, emphasising the interdependence of land, people, plants, and animals.
Our Kindergarten program prepares children for school through engaging, play-based learning experiences that build confidence, independence and a love of learning. We offer free Victorian Government funded sessional kindergarten for three and four-year-olds. Our programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS) to support each child’s learning and development. Our dedicated teaching team is made up of experienced educators who support each child’s holistic development. We believe that natural environments and opportunities for risky play help children build resilience, develop life skills and foster teamwork. This is a unified approach by the Oppia team to encourage families to feel comfortable when participating in Centre life.
Families will be given as many opportunities as possible to participate in their child’s learning journey – including volunteering, regular social nights, family art sessions, annual art exhibition, termly learning discussions, information sessions. Together, these programs ensure children have a well-rounded, engaging learning experience, developing creativity, confidence, and practical skills that extend beyond the classroom and support a smooth transition to school. Our Playground to Plate ® is a food garden program that aims to revolutionise the relationship that children have with food from infancy through to school age.
From infancy, our educators work in partnership with families to support each child’s individual learning journey. We enrich our Kindergarten programs with a range of engaging, hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and real-world skills. Our team of dedicated educators and qualified specialists deliver each of these experiences as an integral part of our curriculum.
Together, we identify goals based on each family’s aspirations, priorities and their child’s interests, ensuring learning experiences are meaningful, purposeful and responsive to each stage of development. This collaborative approach provides consistent support from a child’s earliest years through to their transition to Prep. Through play, interactions with peers and relationships with trusted educators, children develop confidence, independence, communication and social skills, emotional regulation, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. They also build positive learning dispositions, along with the early literacy and numeracy foundations that support future success at school. Our teachers intentionally design engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences that encourage children to explore, investigate, create, collaborate and solve problems.
We’re excited to introduce you and your young star to the wonders of Wattle Planet. If you’re interested in exploring further, we invite you to book a tour by directly contacting your preferred centre. We strive to accommodate your schedule and will find a time that suits you best.
At Advance Early Learning Centres, our integrated Kindergarten Programs are delivered within our long day care environment. We apply this funding directly to your account as we receive it from the State Government, where it appears on your statements as the “Victorian Government Free Kinder Offset”. This helps reduce your childcare costs while still giving you the flexibility and extended care hours of long day care. Planned trips and visitors extend learning, encouraging exploration, social skills, and independence. Our program is brought to life by Professional Garden Educators working alongside classroom teachers. Fresh produce becomes part of meals, encouraging healthy eating practices and lifelong habits.
Our team of educators is wholeheartedly devoted to creating an educational, fun, and safe environment where children can thrive, preparing them not only for school but for life beyond. At Wantirna, we live by the mantra, “Time spent playing with children is never wasted” – Dawn Lantero. Individual Learning Plans are developed in partnership with families and used to guide learning around each child’s strengths, interests and goals. Educators draw on these plans to shape experiences that suit each child’s needs and stage of development.