Early Foundation Childcare

3 -5 YEAR OLD School Readiness program

Helping Young Learners Grow with Confidence

3-5 Year-Old School Readiness program in Craigieburn - Learning Through Play and Discovery

Three-year-old is an exciting stage of discovery, growing independence and new relationships. At Early Foundation Childcare, our 3-Year-Old program provides a warm and nurturing environment where children can learn through play, exploration and meaningful experiences.

We recognise that every child develops in their own way. Our educators create learning experiences that respond to children’s interests, ideas, strengths and individual needs. Through play-based learning, children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, express themselves, build relationships and develop the confidence to try new things.

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A Nurturing Environment

Our 3-Year-Old program provides opportunities for children to develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively through age-appropriate experiences.

Educators support children as they:

  • Express their ideas, feelings and interests
  • Build confidence and independence
  • Develop positive relationships with others
  • Build curiosity, creativity and confidence to try new things
  • Learn to participate in group experiences
  • Explore their environment through play
  • Develop communication and language skills
  • Strengthen fine and gross motor skills

We believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported and valued. Our educators provide encouragement while allowing children to explore and develop at their own pace.

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(3–5 years)

3-5 Year Old School Readiness program

A gentle, structured introduction to early learning

Our program operates within a long day care environment, giving families the flexibility of extended hours while delivering a high-quality, play-based early learning curriculum. Our 3-Year-Old Program offers a warm, play-based and developmentally rich experience designed to support children as they transition from toddlerhood into more structured learning. Led by degree-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, the program follows the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

This year lays the essential foundation for your child’s confidence, social skills, communication and early thinking, preparing them for 4-year-old school readiness.

What Your Child Will Learn

 Early literacy
  • Storytelling, shared reading
  • Letter awareness through play
  • Singing, rhymes and conversations
Early numeracy
  • Counting, sorting and patterns

  • Shapes & measurement through hands-on activities

Social confidence
  • Taking turns
  • Cooperative play
  • Building friendships
Emotional development
  • Managing strong feelings

  • Identifying emotions

  • Building resilience

Creative expression
  • Art, drama, imaginative play

  • Music and movement

Independence
  • Packing away

  • Self-help skills

  • Making choices

Learning Through Play

Play is an important part of early childhood learning. At Early Foundation Childcare, our educators provide purposeful play experiences that encourage children to investigate, experiment, ask questions and discover new ideas.

Through play, children can develop problem-solving skills, communication, creativity and social confidence while enjoying experiences that are meaningful to them.

Our learning experiences may include:

  • Creative arts and craft
  • Music, singing and movement
  • Storytelling and language experiences
  • Sensory play
  • Nature and outdoor exploration
  • Building and construction
  • Imaginative and dramatic play
  • Group games and collaborative experiences
  • Early numeracy experiences
  • Hands-on exploration and discovery

These experiences allow children to build confidence, develop new skills and strengthen relationships while enjoying the process of learning.

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Engaging School Readiness program Activities in Craigieburn

Families looking for engaging activities in Craigieburn can feel confident knowing our experiences are designed to support creativity, communication, relationships and active participation.

Whether children are creating artwork, exploring nature, building with blocks or participating in a group story, each experience provides opportunities to develop confidence and discover something new.

Our activities provide children with opportunities to explore their creativity, strengthen their communication skills and develop positive relationships with educators and other children.

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Supporting Children's Wellbeing and Development

A child’s wellbeing is an important part of their early learning experience. At Early Foundation Childcare, we aim to create an environment where children feel comfortable, respected and included.

Our educators build warm and responsive relationships with children and provide encouragement as they explore new experiences. Children are supported to express their feelings, make choices and gradually develop independence in everyday situations.

We also value strong partnerships with families. By sharing information and communicating with parents and carers, we can better understand each child’s interests, experiences and individual needs.

Educators also support children as they begin recognising emotions, expressing their needs and learning how to navigate early social interactions with others.

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A Day in 3-Year-Old

A balanced routine combining:

  • Group mat sessions (stories, songs, discussion)
  • Outdoor exploration (gardens, gross motor play)
  • Learning stations (literacy, numeracy, sensory, STEM)
  • Music, art, dramatic and sports play
  • Rest and relaxation time

Children learn through a blend of guided experiences and child-led exploration, supported by nurturing educators.

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Our Learning Environment

Our room is designed with:

  • Open-ended materials for creativity

  • Quiet corners for rest & emotional regulation

  • Montessori-inspired practical life activities

  • Spaces that encourage focus and independence

  • Access to enriched outdoor play

The environment grows with your child, gently increasing the complexity of learning experiences.

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Family Communication & Development Tracking

Families receive:

  • Weekly learning updates

  • Educator insights

  • Term progress notes

  • Support with developmental milestones

  • Guidance for routines at home

We work in partnership with families to ensure each child’s needs are met.

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Preparing for 4-Year-Old

By the end of the 3-year-old program, children strengthen:

  • Early foundations in numeracy and literacy
  • Communication & problem-solving
  • Social confidence
  • Emotional self-regulation
  • Fine & gross motor skills
  • Curiosity and love for learning

This ensures a smooth and confident transition into our 4-Year-Old (School Readiness Program).

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Building Foundations for Future Learning

Our 3-Year-Old program focuses on giving children positive early learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence and a love of learning.

At this stage, learning is centred around play, relationships, communication and growing independence. Through these everyday experiences, children begin developing the foundations that support future learning.

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A Positive Start to Early Learning

At Early Foundation Childcare, our 3-Year-Old School Readiness program gives children opportunities to build confidence, form relationships, explore their interests and develop a genuine love of learning through play.

 

We aim to create a warm and supportive environment where children feel safe to try new things, express themselves and grow at their own pace.

 

If you are looking for a nurturing 3-Year-Old School Readiness Program in Craigieburn, we would love to welcome your family for a tour and share more about our program.

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Ready to Begin Their School Readiness Journey?