Our teamPreschool / 3 & 4 y.o kindergartenMeals and snacksFacilities CommunitySustainabilityExcursions & IncursionsSpecialist Programs
Our team
Our passionate team of educators is committed to creating a warm, nurturing and welcoming environment to inspire and encourage children to be curious and empower them to problem solve and seek answers. Our educators engage children by using play-based learning that encourages the development of outcomes within the Early Years Learning Framework.
Preschool / kindergarten
Our preschool / 3 and 4 year-old kindergarten program is delivered by an early childhood teacher. In conjunction with learning that occurs at home, kindergarten is an important stepping stone to school, equipping children with the skills and confidence they need for a seamless transition. Our school preparation program spans two years and one of the favourite activities for the children is our lunch box days throughout Term 4.
Meals and snacks
All meals are prepared onsite in our registered kitchen, using fresh and wholesome ingredients.
Our qualified chef plans and prepares healthy meals throughout the day that are in accordance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. We have a three-week rotating menu that includes multicultural meals that expose children to new flavours and promote cultural awareness. We also cater to dietary, allergy and anaphylaxis requirements. Water and fruit is served with each meal and milk is provided with morning tea.
The meals we provide include:
breakfast
morning tea
lunch
afternoon tea
late snack.
Our children participate in cooking experiences; in our kindergarten room the children bake bread weekly. Cooking provides children with fantastic learning opportunities including science (how bread rises), maths (measuring and counting) and literacy (reading recipes).
Facilities
The Mt Evelyn Children’s Centre is a purpose-built early education and care venue. Our facilities include:
purpose-built early education and care rooms
picturesque natural surroundings
thriving community garden
walking distance to local shops and transport
Community
We are committed to creating and maintaining strong links with our community and strive to provide support in all we do.
Connections to our community include fortnightly visits to the Lilydale Library by our 4-year-old kindergarten children. These visits open up the world of books and the fun of reading and literature.
Sustainability
Cire is committed to sustainable practices and we pride ourselves on educating our children about how they can help to reduce the carbon footprint of the world. Our initiatives include vegetable gardens, a worm farm and recycling stations.
Excursions & Incursions
Excursions and incursions are an important part of our educational program as they expose children to a range of different experiences as well as provide them with a stronger sense of their community. These opportunities include:
visting Lilydale Library
exploring the bush block at our sister centre in Yarra Junction
visiting the Upper Yarra Museum at Yarra Junction
yoga incursion
Specialist Programs
Our specialist programs further enhance our children’s love of learning, now and for the future.
We are excited to be delivering a language program for our kindergarten children in 2019. The opportunity will further enrich our overall program particularly as research highlights that learning in another language at a young age has many benefits including increased literacy and cognitive flexibility.
In addition, one of our wonderful educators leads a stimulating and engaging music program. It is an exciting initiative because early music education nurtures social and physical development, motor skills, language development, self-expression, memory skills, and concentration.
Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority as “Exceeding” all areas of the National Quality Standards
Kindergarten timetable
| DAY & TIME | VACANCIES |
| Monday 8am – 4pm | Yes |
| Tuesday 8am – 4pm | Yes |
| Wednesday 8am – 4pm (long day care only – no kinder program) | Yes |
| Thursday 8am – 4pm | Yes |
| Friday 8am – 4pm | Yes |
FAQs
How do I know if my child is ready to start kindergarten?
We recommend you speak to your maternal and child health nurse about your child’s development.
How old does my child have to be?
Your child must be at least four years old by 30 April of the year they are starting kindergarten.
Are kindergarten teachers qualified?
Absolutely, all our kindergarten teachers have a Bachelor of Education.
Do you operate all year?
Nearly, we are open 50 weeks for the year. Closing only over Christmas/New Year period.
Can I receive the Child Care Subsidy)?
The Federal Government’s Child Care Subsidy is available to eligible parents and the application is based on the family’s gross weekly income. Please note this benefit is only available for 4-year-old kinder.
What do you provide?
Cire Children’s Services provides the following for each child:
- a hat for each child
- sunscreen
- nutritionally balanced meals
- nappies
- bibs
- bedding
Generally what should I bring?
We ask you to bring the following:
- a soft toy or comfort blanket for sleep time
- two changes of clothes.
- drink bottle
- infant formula
Can I enrol my child anytime?
Absolutely, as long as your child is 4 years old by April of the same year.
How to find us
6.30am – 6.30pm
20 Old Hereford Rd, Mt Evelyn 3796
Program fees
$112 per day (excluding government subsidy)
