At Palmwoods Community Kindergarten we believe that each child is capable and competent. In line with contemporary practices of Early Childhood Education we strongly believe that children learn best through play. The development of a child’s social, emotional, intellectual, physical and creativity is best supported through play. We encourage our Kindy children to actively explore, gain a sense of wonder and investigate their world.
Our Curriculum
We practice a play-based, emergent curriculum based on the interests and needs of individual children. Children are encouraged to be curious, independent learners who engage with each other and the environment. Our large natural playground provides endless opportunities for investigation, discovery and wonder.
It is our aim for children to develop the skills of active citizens who positively contribute to the community. We encourage children to build a sense of responsibility for themselves, respect for others and the environment
We celebrate our differences and find ways to weave our strengths through the program. We utilise play to meaningfully explore concepts, skills and understandings.
Our Program is framed by the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines which is The Queensland Department of Education’s Curriculum document that specifically targets Kindergarten aged Children (turning 4 by June in the year they attend). These guidelines align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) utilised by all Early Childhood Services across the country. We also use the C&K Curriculum Approach to support a deeper and more reflective approach to decision making and planning with and alongside children.
Attendance
We are a single-unit, dedicated kindergarten for children that are aged between 3.5 and 4.5 years upon starting.
We have 2 classes of 22 children. Our kindergarten program runs during school terms and our children complete a 5 day fortnight as follows:
Our Beginning of the Week class is called the Adventurers and they attend on Monday, Tuesdays and Alternative Wednesdays.
Our End of the Week class is called the Explorers and they attend on Alternative Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
At Palmwoods Community Kindergarten, your child will develop confidence, a positive sense of self and beautiful friendships through consistency and stability.
Fees
The Queensland Government introduced a new Kindy Funding Scheme (KFS) on 1 January 2024. Through the KFS, every eligible Kindy aged child is funded for 15 hours per week for 40 weeks, or 600 hours per year, of free Kindergarten. For most of our families, this will make Kindergarten free for their child at our service.
Your child will not be eligible to receive free Kindy at our service if:
- They are attending another sessional/community Kindergarten program and you have nominated the other Kindy to receive the funding for your child’s free Kindergarten program instead of Palmwoods Kindy (please note if your child is attending a long day care centre as well as our sessional Kindergarten then the funding will automatically be given to us so you will not be able to receive free Kindy from the long day care centre).
- Your child is not of the eligible Kindy age and they have been offered an early entry enrolment.
If you child is not eligible for Free Kindy, then you will be required to pay the non-eligible fee shown on our Statement of Fees.
Please also review the Department of Education Statement Of Fees – Kindergarten Services QKFS 2024 for more information.