How Victorian Kindy builds confident learners ready for school
Starting school is a big milestone, not just for children, but for families too. Many parents wonder whether their child will feel confident, make friends easily, follow routines, and settle into Prep smoothly.
High quality Kindy plays a powerful role in that transition.
At Lili’s Early Learning Centre in Hoppers Crossing, our Kindy program supports children to grow in confidence, independence and resilience while building the literacy and numeracy foundations that prepare them for school.
Why Kindy is so important before school
Kindy is not simply about learning letters and numbers. It is where children begin to see themselves as capable learners.
Research consistently shows that children who attend a structured, teacher led kindergarten program develop stronger foundations in:
Early literacy and language
Early numeracy concepts
Problem solving and critical thinking
Emotional regulation
Social confidence
Independence
These skills support children not just in their first year of school, but throughout their education journey.
In Kindy, children practise listening in group settings, following instructions, taking turns, expressing their ideas, and persisting when something feels challenging. These are the everyday skills that make the transition to Prep feel smoother and more secure.
How our kindy program supports school readiness
At Lili’s Early Learning Centre Hoppers Crossing, our Kindy program is delivered by qualified early childhood teachers and embedded within our long day care environment.
This means children receive structured, intentional learning while remaining in a familiar and consistent setting.
Our program focuses on:
Strengthening early literacy through storytelling, phonological awareness, mark making and conversations
Building numeracy skills through counting, sorting, measuring and problem solving during play
Developing independence with routines such as packing away, managing belongings and self help skills
Encouraging resilience and persistence when tasks feel new or challenging
Supporting emotional regulation and social confidence
Children learn through play based experiences that are purposeful and guided. They are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas and work collaboratively with peers.
By the time they transition to school, they are not just academically prepared. They feel ready.
3 year old Kindy: Building the foundations
For children turning three, Kindy is often their first introduction to a structured early learning program.
At this stage, the focus is on:
Building confidence in a group setting
Learning how to share, take turns and cooperate
Expanding vocabulary and communication skills
Exploring early literacy and numeracy concepts through play
Developing curiosity through art, sensory play and outdoor experiences
Children are supported to feel secure and capable in a learning environment. They begin to understand routines, participate in group discussions and develop a sense of belonging.
These early experiences lay strong foundations for 4 year old Kindy and future school learning.
4 year old Kindy: Preparing for Prep
In 4 year old Kindy, learning deepens and independence strengthens.
Children begin to:
Recognise letters and sounds
Explore early writing and name recognition
Build confidence with numbers and simple problem solving
Follow multi step instructions
Participate in group learning experiences
Manage personal belongings and self help tasks
The focus is on preparing children for the structure of school without removing the joy of learning.
At Lili’s, we prioritise a balance between guided learning and play based exploration. Children are encouraged to think critically, collaborate with peers and persist when something feels tricky.
These are the skills that support a confident start to Prep.
What makes kindy at Lili’s different
Many sessional Kindy programs operate only during school hours and school terms. Families often need to arrange additional care outside of these times.
At Lili’s Early Learning Centre Hoppers Crossing, our Kindy program is integrated within our long day care service.
This provides:
Extended hours from 7.00am to 6.30pm
Learning and care that continues during school holidays
A consistent environment throughout the day
Familiar educators and routines
Flexibility that supports working families
Children remain in the same supportive setting where they learn, play and build relationships across the day. This continuity supports emotional security and confidence, which are key elements in school readiness.
Families benefit from convenience and peace of mind, while children benefit from stability and consistency.
Supporting a smooth transition to school
Transitioning to Prep is about more than academics. It is about feeling safe, confident and ready to participate.
Our Kindy program supports children to:
Feel comfortable in group environments
Build friendships and social skills
Understand routines similar to school settings
Develop independence
Express their needs and ideas clearly
Manage big feelings in healthy ways
When children leave Lili’s for school, they do so with a strong sense of self and a genuine love of learning.
Frequently asked questions about Kindy
How does Kindy prepare children for school?
Kindy helps children develop literacy, numeracy, social skills and independence. It also builds confidence in group learning environments and supports emotional regulation, all of which are essential for a smooth start to Prep.
What is the difference between 3 year old and 4 year old Kindy?
3 year old Kindy focuses on building confidence, communication and early social skills.
4 year old Kindy builds on these foundations with stronger emphasis on literacy, numeracy, independence and school routines.
Is Kindy delivered in long day care settings?
Yes. At Lili’s Early Learning Centre in Hoppers Crossing, our teacher led Kindy program is embedded within our long day care service, providing structured learning alongside extended hours and consistent care.
Ready to learn more about kindy at Lili’s?
Choosing the right Kindy program is an important decision. Visiting a centre, meeting the educators and seeing the environment firsthand can help families feel confident in their choice.
If you are exploring Kindy options in Hoppers Crossing, we welcome you to connect with our team and learn how we support confident, capable learners ready for school.