Kids on Gallaghers Child Care Centre - Junior Kinder

3 to 4 years

The Junior Kinder program runs all day from Monday to Friday by our room leader and multiple assistants.

Our Junior Kinder program focuses on growing self-confidence, problem-solving skills, self-esteem, skill development and independence. The room leader uses the children’s current interests and identified strength and need areas to form the basis of the Junior Kinder program. The children are given opportunities to express which experiences and activities they would enjoy exploring throughout the program.

The ratio of 1 educator to 11 children is the same for a 3-year-old room/3 year-old kindergarten in a childcare setting as it is in a sessional kindergarten. Classroom sizes are similar and staffing arrangements are based on classroom size as well as any specific individual needs.

The routine in the Junior Kinder room is relaxed, flexible and allows for both spontaneous and planned experiences. Children are provided with interesting, aesthetically-pleasing and engaging activities throughout the indoor and outdoor environments. Activities are designed to provide concepts that enhance understanding and learning in areas of literacy, maths, science, music, environment and creativity.

Our big outdoor space provides children with multiple opportunities to explore nature, sustainability and develop physical skills. Children have access to areas where they can run and explore as well as engage in quiet, solitary play. Educators provide many small and whole group experiences, both indoors and out, to encourage cooperation and build on social skills such as turn taking and sharing.