Where confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning begin
Kindergarten Keysborough
Bilbies ELC & Kinder is an approved provider of free Victorian Government funded Kindergarten programs for three-year-olds, four-year-olds, and Pre-Prep as part of the Best Start, Best Life reform. Our programs provide a strong foundation for learning in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.
Our kindergarten programs are guided by Montessori principles and aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Every child is supported through an individual learning plan, thoughtfully designed to reflect their interests, strengths, and developmental needs. This personalised approach allows each child to grow in confidence, curiosity, and capability at their own pace.
Families are at the heart of everything we do. We value strong partnerships with parents and believe that open communication and collaboration are key to supporting every child’s learning and wellbeing.
We work closely with parents to set meaningful learning goals for each child. Progress is shared through monthly reviews and comprehensive six-monthly reports, ensuring families feel informed, involved, and confident in their child’s learning journey.
Together, we create a nurturing, engaging, and personalised kindergarten experience where every child feels supported to thrive.
Why Choose Us
Bilbies ELC & Kinder provides a nurturing early learning local kindergarten program in Keysborough, where children from infancy to preschool are supported to grow, explore, and thrive. Our thoughtfully designed spaces and play-based learning experiences encourage independence, creativity, and a genuine joy for discovery during the most important early years of development.
- Experience & Caring Educators - Our VIT-qualified teachers work alongside Montessori-trained staff and specialist Sports and Music instructors to deliver a well-rounded program that combines expert early learning, hands-on enrichment, and specialist-led activities for every child
- Victorian Government Funded Free Kinder - Our integrated kindergarten program ensures children receive a funded program delivered by qualified teachers within a long day care setting.
- Montessori Inspired Learning - Purposefully prepared environments and hands-on materials encourage independence, focus, and a love of learning
- English & Literacy - Children learn letters, sounds, reading, and early writing through hands-on Montessori materials that build confidence and communication skills
- Maths & Numeracy - Children explore numbers, counting, patterns, measurement, and problem-solving using concrete materials that support deep understanding
- STEM Learning - Engaging science, technology, engineering, and maths experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking
- Science & Discovery - Children explore life cycles, weather, seasons, movement, change, and caring for the natural environment through hands-on investigation
- Culture & Geography - Exploring the world through geography, botany, and zoology, fostering respect for diverse cultures and environments
- Sensorial Learning - Specially designed Montessori materials support development of the senses, observation skills, and early intellectual thinking
- Specialist Programs - Specialist-led sports and music programs that support physical development, rhythm, confidence, and self-expression
- Incursions & Enrichment - Regular incursions that enrich learning and bring real-world experiences into the kindergarten program
- Imagination Library - Children receive access to quality books that support a love of reading at home and at kinder
- School Readiness - A strong focus on social, emotional, communication, literacy, numeracy, and independence skills for a confident transition to school
Bush Kinder and Outdoor Learning
Our Bush Kinder program takes learning beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors.
Excursions to the local park include shared picnic times and fun, hands-on activities that invite curiosity, exploration, and adventure. Climbing, discovering, creating, and playing together in nature help build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing, while supporting friendships, communication, and independence. These joyful outdoor experiences encourage a love of nature and learning, while creating special memories in the local community.
Kinder Program - Included in the daily fees
Program delivered by VIT qualified teacher & Montessori trained teachers providing high-quality early education
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
- Indigenous Studies
- Practical Life Skills
- Sensorial Learning
- Language
- Mathematics
- Culture
Maths – Taught using hands-on sensorial materials to learn numbers, counting, sequencing, addition, subtraction & more for a strong foundation.
English – Learn letters, words, reading & writing through hands-on sandpaper letters & movable alphabet. Children practice sounds, build words, and gain confidence expressing their ideas.
Science – explore science through life cycles, weather and seasons, forces and movement, mixing, changes, and caring for the natural environment through hands-on investigation.
Culture – explore the world through hands-on materials in geography, science, botany and zoology, encouraging creativity & appreciation of diverse cultures and environments.
Sensorial – Specially designed
Montessori sensorial materials help children explore sight, sound, touch, taste and smell, developing observation & intellectual thinking.
School Readiness Program – Build social, emotional, communication, literacy, numeracy & independence skills for confident start to school.
Sports Program – Run by experienced coaches, designed to build physical skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Music Program – Delivered by experienced professionals, fostering creativity, rhythm, and self-expression through movement and song.
Home Library– Each month, Bilbies will send a book home with every Kindergarten child. Teachers will integrate themed activities into the curriculum, promoting early literacy, a love of reading, and family involvement in learning.
Sustainability in Action – Children learn to care for the environment through meaningful, hands-on experiences that promote eco-awareness and sustainable habits.
Leadership Skills – In our Mixed-Age Classrooms, older children take on leadership roles, guiding and supporting younger peers
Mixed-Age Learning and Leadership
At Bilbies ELC & Kinder, our kindergarten program in Keysborough is a little different, and proudly so. Guided by Montessori principles, our program uses a mixed-age classroom approach, where three-, four- and five-year-olds learn together in a calm, supportive environment. This intentional structure reflects how children naturally learn from one another and is a cornerstone of the Montessori philosophy, creating a sense of belonging and continuity within the classroom.
Mixed-age learning builds a strong, connected community where learning feels natural and meaningful. Older children develop leadership and confidence as they model skills, offer help, and take on responsibility, reinforcing their own learning in the process. Younger children benefit from observing, listening, and learning alongside peers, gaining skills through repetition, encouragement, and gentle guidance, all at their own pace.
This shared learning environment supports cooperation over competition, encourages empathy and respect, and allows every child to progress confidently based on their individual strengths and interests.
Kindergarten Program
Bilbies ELC & Kinder’s early kindergarten program in Keysborough runs for 40 weeks in the year and follows Victorian School Terms. Children can access a 15-hour kindergarten program integrated into the long-day care session. Families are required to enrol for a minimum of three days to participate in the program, with the option to add extra days to suit their care needs. Families do not need to worry about school holiday program as we provide wrap around care and are open 52 weeks of the year.
Free Kinder is for all children. Families do not need to show a Health Care Card, a Pension Card or Australian Citizenship (or similar) to be eligible to access.
Free Kinder in long-day care can save families up to $2,101 in fees in 2025. This saving is in addition to Child Care Subsidy (CCS) payments and applies to the education and care provided by our service.
At Bilbies ELC & Kinder, the Kinder program is delivered both by a qualified early childhood Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registered teacher and a Montessori Teacher.
Fresh Nutrition and Wellbeing
At Bilbies ELC & Kinder in Keysborough, our kindergarten centre has a fully equipped kitchen on site, so we prepare fresh, wholesome, nutritious food made to fuel growing bodies and minds.
Good nutrition in early childhood supports healthy growth, strong immune systems, and brain development, all of which help children stay alert, focused, and ready to learn through the day. Offering fresh, nutritious meals helps set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits.
How We Handle Nutrition?
Meals are prepared fresh daily by our on-site chef using whole foods and balanced ingredients
We cater to all dietary needs – including Halal, vegan, allergies, cultural requirements, and individual requirements
Mealtimes are meaningful learning moments, where children practise pouring, serving, independence and social skills
Children are encouraged to explore different tastes, smells, textures and colours, strengthening their food curiosity and confidence
We understand that every family is different. Whether your child has allergies, specific cultural practices, or unique nutritional needs, our Centre Manager and Chef will work with you to create a plan that feels right.
What is the benefit of attending Kindergarten?
Enrol Now!
Purposeful learning that nurtures independence, focus, and confidence
Collaboration & Connection
Collaboration with Families
- Open communication through face-to-face chats & Xplor app
- Individual Learning goals set together with you and your child
- Family involvement in classroom activities & special events
- Support for home learning through simple, ongoing strategies including our Build-a-Book Library, encouraging family engagement & language growth.
- Regular updates on your child’s progress and our program
- Family feedback to help us grow and tailor learning to your child’s interests
Connection with Community
We support children’s sense of belonging and curiosity through real-world community engagement. At our early kindergarten program centre in Keysborough, this includes:
- Excursion to libraries, parks etc.
- Welcoming community members (e.g. firefighters, Local Schools, librarians, Indigenous Elders) to share stories
- Collaborating with local businesses & services to enhance learning
- Celebrating cultural traditions to foster inclusion and respect
- Encouraging family involvement in learning and community events
Why Choose Us
Different kids, different learning
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Playing Area
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Outbound Area
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Reading Area
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The right environment for growing
Keysborough kindergarten Centre
We offer 3-year-old, 4-year-old and Pre-Prep Victorian Government Funded Kindergarten program as part of the Best Start, Best Life reform. We provide an individual learning program for each child, thoughtfully designed support their interests while nurturing and extending their abilities.
At the heart of our approach is a strong partnership with families. We believe that open communication and collaboration between educators and parents are essential to every child’s success.
By working closely with you, we create a supportive, engaging, and personalized learning journey for your child.
FAQs
Children can start kindergarten in Keysborough from age three, with programs available for 3-year-old kinder and 4-year-old kinder.
Yes, free kinder is available through Victorian Government funding and can significantly reduce fees for eligible kindergarten programs in Keysborough.
A kindergarten program in Keysborough includes play-based learning, school readiness, social development, and literacy and numeracy foundations.
Kindergarten childcare in Keysborough integrates funded kinder hours within long day care, offering extended hours and year-round care.
Look for qualified teachers, a strong curriculum, safe environments, family communication, and programs that suit your child’s learning needs.
