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Pre-Kindy and Kindy Programs

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Pre-Kindy And Kindy: What's the Difference?

Parents often ask what actually separates “Pre-Kindy” from “Kindy” – here’s a simple breakdown of how the two stages build on each other at Happy Hive:

Stage Typical Age Focus
Pre-Kindy
2 to 3 years
Settling into group routines, sensory play, language exposure, and building independence in a warm, small-group setting.
Kindy
3 to 5 years
Structured early literacy and numeracy, social problem-solving, and school-readiness skills, delivered through play-based and guided learning.

Our Curriculum and Quality Standards

Every Happy Hive program is delivered under Australia’s national early education system, so parents can be confident the learning your child receives is consistent, regulated and evidence-based.

  • Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF): The national curriculum document that guides how educators plan learning through play across five key learning outcomes – identity, connection to community, wellbeing, confident learners, and effective communicators.
  • National Quality Standard (NQS): Our centres operate under the National Quality Standard, which is independently assessed and rated across seven quality areas, including educational program, health and safety, and staffing arrangements.
  • Educator-to-Child Ratios: For children aged 3 years to kindergarten age, Western Australian regulations require a minimum of one qualified educator for every 10 children – a ratio we maintain so every child gets the attention they need.
  • Qualified Teaching Staff: Our Kindy rooms are supported by access to an early childhood teacher, in line with national qualification requirements for this age group.

A Typical Day: Our Daily Rhythm

Predictable routines help young children feel secure while still leaving room for curiosity-led play. Here’s what an average day in our Pre-Kindy and Kindy rooms looks like:

Time Activity
Morning arrival
Settling in, free play and small-group welcome activities
Mid-morning
Structured learning - literacy, numeracy or group discussion
Morning tea
Shared, nutritious morning tea and social conversation
Late morning
Outdoor play, gross motor activities and nature exploration
Lunch
Sit-down lunch, encouraging independence and healthy habits
Early afternoon
Rest or quiet time, followed by creative and sensory play
Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea and reflective group time
Late afternoon
Free play, outdoor time and family pick-up

Nutrition and Mealtimes

Good nutrition supports concentration, mood and growth, so mealtimes are treated as a valued part of the learning day rather than a break from it. Children are encouraged to try new foods, serve themselves where appropriate, and build healthy eating habits in a relaxed, social setting. Please let your centre know about any allergies or dietary requirements during enrolment so we can plan accordingly.

Getting Ready for "Big School"

Our Kindy program places particular emphasis on school-readiness in the year before your child starts school. This goes beyond early academic skills to include the everyday abilities that make the transition to school smooth and positive:

  • Following multi-step instructions and classroom routines.
  • Recognising letters, sounds and numbers through play-based activities.
  • Building independence – packing away, managing belongings and self-care tasks.
  • Developing focus and persistence for longer, structured activities.
  • Growing confidence in making friends and resolving small social challenges.

Enrolment and Session Options

We offer flexible session options to suit different family needs, including part-time and full-time enrolment where available at each centre. Many families are eligible for the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can reduce the cost of Pre-Kindy and Kindy fees depending on your family’s circumstances. Our team can point you toward the right information to check your eligibility and get your subsidy set up before your child starts.

Settling In: Our Orientation Process

Starting a new program is a big step for both children and parents. We support a gradual orientation process – shorter visits building up to full sessions – so your child can settle in at a comfortable pace, form early bonds with their educators, and feel confident before starting their regular routine.

Staying Connected as a Family

We believe parents are a child’s first and most important educators, which is why open communication is built into how we operate. You’ll receive regular updates on your child’s activities, milestones and learning progress, along with opportunities to share your own observations and goals for your child’s development.

Is my child eligible for the Child Care Subsidy for this program?

Many families are eligible for the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility depends on your family’s individual circumstances, so we recommend checking directly with Services Australia and speaking with our team during enrolment.

How does orientation work for a new child?

We use a gradual settling-in process, starting with shorter visits and building up to full sessions, so your child can adjust at their own pace with the support of their educators.

What should my child bring each day?

Generally, families are asked to provide a labelled bag with a change of clothes, a sun hat, and any specific items requested by your centre. Your enrolment pack will include a full checklist for your child’s centre.

How do you support children with allergies or dietary needs?

We ask for full details of any allergies or dietary requirements during enrolment, and our team works with families to manage these safely as part of daily mealtimes and activities.

Will my child be ready for school after completing Kindy?

Our Kindy program is specifically designed to build school-readiness – covering early literacy and numeracy foundations, independence, and social confidence – so children move into their first year of school well prepared.