South Castlemaine
Kindergarten

Our Centre

South Castlemaine Kindergarten encourages development through active play as we believe young children learn by doing – a play based approach.

We believe kindergarten and learning should be fun and we aim to display this in both our interactions with the children and in the play experiences that are planned. The program is developed according to the individual child’s needs, interests and developmental level using the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.

We believe in fostering an inclusive program where all children are regarded as equals. We foster the relationship between parents and staff, supporting and acknowledging each other and the complementary role in the education of the child. As a kindergarten dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our children, we are participating in the Healthy Together Achievement Program. This government program is incorporated into our approach, with enhanced outcomes for health, learning and development.

We aim to teach children about sustainability through reduced water usage, recycling and our worm farm. We participate in the SPARK Energy for Change Program. Staff, families and children were all actively involved in reducing our environmental footprint and making energy reduction a daily habit. Our kindergarten continues to work to reduce our energy use without compromising comfort levels, we extended this with the addition of solar panels.

We offer many fun ways to learn and our program includes science activities, library borrowing, cooking and the celebration of special events like Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day and festivals. We have visits from services and community members such as the Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade, local Dentists, Bakers and reciprocal visits with the Library. We go on local walking excursions, and soon will begin visiting the local elderly hospice at Castlemaine Health.

South Castlemaine Kindergarten 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

South Castlemaine Kindergarten

9 Etty Street
Castlemaine, VIC, 3450

Tel: (03) 4311 1585

Email: southcastlemaine@ykinders.org.au

NQS Exceeding Logo Victorian Approved Kinder Tick

3 & 4 Year Old
Kinder Programs

We offer free high quality 3 and 4 year old programs in an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

Community
Excursions

 Excursions and incursions are a key part of our program. Venturing out into the local area allows children to explore the world around them and feel a part of their community.

Kinder Vegetable
 Garden

Our Kinder has its own vegetable garden that we use for growing, harvesting and cooking healthy food.

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 and include a bike track, sandpit, Balinese hut and beautiful grassy spaces.

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

South Castlemaine Kindergarten’s enrolment process is managed by Y Kinders’ enrolment team.

We operate 3 and 4 year old kindergarten programs on the days and times detailed below:

3 Year Old Kindergarten

(2024)

Day Time
Wednesday 9.00am – 2.00pm

4 Year Old Kindergarten

Group A (2024)

Day Time
Monday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Friday 9.00am – 2.00pm

Group B (2024)

Day Time
Monday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 2.00pm

Group C (2024)

Day Time
Monday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Friday 9.00am – 2.00pm

Group D (2024)

Day Time
Tuesday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Friday 9.00am – 2.00pm

For additional support on your child’s enrolment, contact our Y Kinders’ 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 enrol in one of our programs please use 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.