PROGRAMS & CURRICULUM

Our curriculum is thoughtfully guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), which supports and strengthens children's learning from birth to six years of age. Aligned with the VEYLDF's five learning outcomes, we focus on nurturing confident, capable learners, through meaningful experiences that promote wellbeing, identity, connection, contribution, and communication.

We embrace play-based and inquiry-based learning approaches, where children are encouraged to explore their interests, ask questions, and investigate the world around them. Play is recognised as a powerful context for learning, and through it, children develop creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

Our educators use a mixture of intentional teaching and scaffolding strategies to promote purposeful, thoughtful interactions that extend children's thinking and learning. Through careful observation and reflection, educators plan experiences that align with each child's individual goals, ensuring that learning is personalised, relevant, and meaningful. We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with families to set personalised goals, extending upon interests and strengths and sharing detailed learning documentation through the OWNA app.

Flexible daily routines provide the structure children need to feel safe, secure and supported, while allowing for spontaneity and responsiveness to their interests and developmental stages. This balance fosters independence, choice, and a strong sense of agency.

By combining the principles of the VEYLDF with intentional teaching, child-led exploration, and individual goal-setting, we create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our maths and literacy program is thoughtfully embedded in everyday experiences and guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). We believe that early literacy and numeracy skills are best developed through meaningful, play-based learning that is relevant to each child's world.

Children explore early literacy through storytelling, conversations, songs, mark-making, and shared reading, building strong foundations in language, communication, and comprehension. Mathematical thinking is nurtured through learning experiences, involving counting, sorting, measuring, patterning, and problem-solving during play and daily routines.

Our educators use intentional teaching to extend children's understanding, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in using language and numbers. Aligned with the VEYLDF outcomes, we support each child to become a confident communicator and an engaged learner—setting the stage for lifelong literacy and numeracy success.

At Viewbank Early Learning Centre, we celebrate the rich diversity of cultures through a variety of engaging cultural events. These events provide children with the opportunity to explore and appreciate different traditions, music, dance, art, and food from around the world. By introducing children to diverse cultures, we foster an environment of respect, inclusion, and curiosity. Our cultural events are designed to broaden young minds, encouraging them to embrace diversity and learn about the world in a fun and meaningful way.

We utilise the 8 Ways of Aboriginal Pedagogy emphasizing culturally relevant, holistic, and community-based learning. It includes storytelling to share knowledge, hands-on learning for practical skills, and a focus on developing the whole child. The approach values non-linear learning, strong community relationships, and the integration of Aboriginal culture and perspectives. It also highlights respect for the land and the use of visual tools for learning. This pedagogy fosters connection, respect, and active engagement in education.

"KINDER IS A PROGRAM NOT A PLACE"

Our 3 and 4-year-old Kindergarten program is built around inquiry-based learning, encouraging children to explore, question, and discover through hands-on experiences. This approach nurtures their natural curiosity, allowing them to engage with their environment and the world around them in a meaningful way. Alongside this, we offer a rich variety of activities such as Bush Kinder, where children connect with nature, and Bike Education, which develops physical skills and coordination, as well as road safety awareness. Our indoor and outdoor playtime promotes social interaction and creativity, while special events like Disco Night and Movie Night provide fun opportunities for children to relax and bond with peers. This combination of inquiry-based learning and fun activities ensures a well-rounded, engaging, and dynamic experience for every child.

Viewbank Early Childhood Centre is proud to participate in the Victorian Government's Free Kinder initiative.

Through this program, all eligible 3- and 4-year-old children have access to 15 hours of funded kindergarten each week, delivered by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher. Families also receive up to $2,101 in fee support annually, making quality early education more accessible for all.

KINDER KITS

Each child that is enrolled in our funded 3 Year Old Kindergarten Program will receive a Kinder Kit.  This year, Kinder Kits are packed into a high-quality backpack made with recycled materials. The backpacks have adjustable padded straps and an easy-to-use zip that opens to reveal a felt board on which children can create a story using the provided felt stickers.

ADDITIONAL YEAR OF FUNDED 3 OR 4 YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN 

From 2026, across Victoria, children can apply to access an additional year of either:

• Three-Year-Old Kindergarten
   
• Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (for children not yet eligible for school).
   

This allows eligible children access to up to 3 years of funded kindergarten in Victoria.

During the kindergarten year, the Kindergarten teacher and the child's parents/carers will work together to plan for the child's transition to their next educational learning environment, either to Four-Year-Old Kindergarten or to school.

Eligibility criteria
An additional year of funded kindergarten may be considered appropriate when a child shows delays in at least 2 learning and development outcome areas from the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and when:

• The kindergarten program is deemed to be the most appropriate learning program.
   
• The child will achieve better outcomes at Three-Year-Old Kindergarten than if they transition to Four-Year-Old Kindergarten the following year.
   
• The child will achieve better outcomes at Four-Year-Old Kindergarten than if they go to school.