Erica
Preschool

Our Centre

Erica Preschool is a small kindergarten located in the beautiful town of Erica. The Preschool is surrounded by rolling hills and​ bushland and is located in the heart of the community. At our Preschool, we place a focus on exploring the local community and surrounding natural environment.

We have a strong emphasis on kindness and strive to provide opportunities for children to develop relationships with others and build their social and communication skills. Our program is based on individual children’s interests and development. We provide a wide variety of experiences and resources at each session to cater to diverse needs and to support children in developing to their full potential.

Our huge outdoor yard encourages children to explore with a big sandpit, a cubby house, climbing equipment and large grassy hill to play and run on and roll down. A large undercover veranda area provides the perfect location for setting up many experiences to ensure children have a range of options when playing outdoors. We want all children to feel welcome and a sense of belonging in our preschool so they can become confident and curious learners.

Bush Kinder

We are proud to offer a wonderful Bush Kinder program, with one of our sessions each week held in the local bushland. Educators set up a base area with picnic rugs, camping toilet and facilities for hygiene purposes. Over the years, the children, families and educators have created a hidden bush kinder playground for the children to explore. This includes a cubby houses made out of sticks, carved wooden seating and areas to play and learn.

Bush Kinder offers children the opportunity to explore and be immersed in nature, engaging all of their senses. There are so many opportunities and experiences that this natural environment offers. Children are able to discover and observe animals and insects in their natural habitat, climb trees and learn to assess appropriate risk-taking activities in nature. Other favourite activities include going on adventures walking through bush tracks, sliding down our bush slide, jumping in muddy puddles and play inspired by children’s imaginations and the many natural resources.

We continually engage in learning opportunities and discussions to help children develop respect and understanding of the natural environment,

Erica Preschool proudly displays the Kinder Tick to help families feel confident that our program is recognised as a funded kindergarten program and:

  • Is led by qualified staff
  • Children benefit from play-based learning
  • The kindergarten program is funded and approved by the Victorian Government
  • Our program complies with government guidelines and the National Quality Framework

Erica Preschool

9-11 School Road
Erica, VIC, 3825

Tel: (03) 4311 1548

Email: erica@ykinders.org.au

Victorian Approved Kinder Tick

3 & 4 Year Old
Kinder Programs

We offer free 3 and 4 year old kindergarten, with our programs running 15 hours a week.

Community Excursions

Excursions support children to explore and get to know different spaces outside of their immediate world inside the centre.

Bush Kinder
 Program

Our Bush Kinder program offers the opportunity to explore and be immersed in nature. Children are able to discover and observe animals and insects in their natural habitat, climb trees and learn about nature.

Storypark App
Access

Storypark connects our educators with parents, providing the ability to share news, service updates, progress and exciting moments from kinder to home!

Space to
Explore

Our outdoor play areas are designed to encourage learning and exploration in the natural environment that include a cubby house, climbing equipment and a large sandpit.

Safeguarding Children
and Young People

We pride ourselves on our commitment to the safeguarding of children and young people, providing safe and fun environments for children to flourish.

Philosophy

Our kindergarten’s philosophy guides our teaching and approach to early learning. It is informed by the National Quality Framework and underpins all our service’s operations and daily practices.
For more details, please ask us for a copy of our Philosophy Statement.

The Y has been delivering Early Learning Programs for over 20 years and is passionate about creating safe, fun, educational environments where children can thrive. At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people and we feel there is no better time to begin inspiring than in an Early Learning program!

Enrolment & Session Information

Erica Preschool’s enrolment registration process is managed centrally by the Baw Baw Shire and is supported by the Y Kinders’ enrolment team who will provide information and support on any queries relating to your child’s enrolment.

We operate both 4 year old and 3 year old free kindergarten programs as a single mixed-age group on the days and times below:

3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten

Mixed-age 3 & 4 Year Old Group (2024)

Day Time
Monday 9.30am – 2.30pm
Tuesday 9.30am – 2.30pm
Thursday 9.30am – 2.30pm
 

For additional support on your child’s enrolment, contact our enrolment team:

  • Call us on 03 4311 1500
  • Email us at earlyyears@ykinders.org.au 
  • Chat to us using the contact form on this page

Parent Info

We understand that starting kindergarten can be a big step for your child and your family.

From choosing and visiting a service, through to enrolling, orientation and anticipating the important first day, these all form the path to your child commencing at kindergarten.

Enrolment Assistance

To commence the enrolment process, please register with Baw Baw Shire’s Central Applications using the links on this page.

For assistance or further information, please fill in the form below.


The Y acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and future.

View our full Commitment Statements here .

© Copyright YMCA 2022. All Rights Reserved.