Early Childhood Program in Preston That Encourages Learning Through Play

Gower Street Kindergarten offers an early childhood program in Preston with 15 hours of play-based learning for three- and four-year-old children.

Our early childhood program in Preston uses children’s interests, planned group experiences and family input to guide learning. The curriculum follows the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and considers physical, emotional, social and intellectual development.

How Our Early Childhood Program in Preston Uses Play

Play-based learning does not mean leaving children without direction or filling every session with fixed activities. Our educators observe the group, consider individual goals and plan experiences that children can explore actively.

Children contribute ideas and interests to the programme. Educators can extend those interests through conversation, materials, movement, creative experiences and opportunities to work with others.

How Programme Planning Works

Our fortnightly programme for each group is recorded in a large book displayed during sessions for families to view. Parents can then share feedback, information or concerns.

Programme planning includes:

• Children’s interests: Educators consider ideas and interests emerging across each group.
• Individual goals: Short-term learning goals help inform daily planning for each child.
• Framework outcomes: Our curriculum draws on the five outcomes of the Victorian framework.
• Group experiences: Large and small group activities provide different ways to participate.
• Family feedback: Parents can share information that helps educators understand their child.
• Family participation: Parents may help during a session or contribute music, craft, cooking, cultural knowledge or another suitable activity.

Our kindergarten programme page explains this planning process and provides the current timetable. Families can review our educators and their listed qualifications on the team page.

Skills Children Can Practise Through Play

Play creates opportunities to explore, communicate, negotiate and make decisions. A building activity may involve balance, measurement and problem-solving, while imaginative play can encourage language, cooperation and expression.

The Starting Blocks guidance on play-based learning explains that play can support physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. It also describes how educators plan experiences around children’s interests and developmental needs, observe learning and extend skills.

These outcomes are not identical for every child or a promise of school performance. Children develop in different ways and at different rates. We create suitable opportunities, observe participation and work with families around each child’s development.

Programme Structure for Preston Families

Our published 2026 timetable lists 15 hours of kindergarten each week for three-year-old and four-year-old children. Sessions run within an integrated programme, with a dedicated three-year-old programme on Wednesday. Families should check the current timetable and availability because arrangements can change.

Our purpose-built Preston setting provides indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. Our philosophy includes community connection, inclusion and environmental learning through activities such as gardening, reusing materials and caring for the kindergarten worm farm.

Families wanting examples can read our article about guided play and essential skills. A visit and conversation remain important because a website cannot show how a child may respond to the setting, routines or group structure.

Ask About Our Kindergarten Programme

Choosing an early childhood program in Preston involves checking age eligibility, session times, programme approach and communication with families. We welcome practical questions about current groups and enrolment.

To discuss a place for your child, contact Gower Street Kindergarten with their age, intended year of attendance and your preferred contact details. We can explain the current programme and direct you to the appropriate enrolment information.