Castlemaine
Kindergarten

Our Centre

Castlemaine Kindergarten is committed to providing a quality early childhood educational program that acknowledges and responds to the individual needs and interests of each child, to each family and to the wider community. Each child is treated with individual care and respect.

We encourage open communication between staff and families, and attempt to foster feelings of mutual trust and develop a sense of belonging to the Kinder. We respect the right of each family to privacy and will maintain confidentiality at all times.

We are committed to the inclusion of all children in the Kindergarten program and ensure against discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, language, ability or culture. Our program is based on a sound knowledge of child development and of current early childhood education theories and practice. We provide a stimulating, safe environment in which children can develop in all areas.

Kindergarten is a place where children play and learn. It is a place where life skills and attitudes are developed. Acknowledging that children learn through play, our qualified staff design a program that is developmentally appropriate to the needs and interests of the children, with a balance of teacher directed and child initiated activities. The importance of play as the tool for children to learn is recognised and fostered at all times.

Castlemaine Kindergarten proudly displays the Kinder Tick to help families feel confident that our program is recognised as a funded kindergarten program and:

  • Is led by qualified staff
  • Children benefit from play-based learning
  • The kindergarten program is funded and approved by the Victorian Government
  • Our program complies with government guidelines and the National Quality Framework

Castlemaine Kindergarten

7-9 Berkeley Street
Castlemaine, VIC, 3450

Tel: (03) 4329 0480

Email: castlemaine@ykinders.org.au

NQS Exceeding Logo Victorian Approved Kinder Tick

3 & 4 Year Old
Kinder Programs

We offer free 3 and 4 year old kindergarten, with our programs running 15 hours a week.

 

Community
Excursions

Excursions and incursions are a key part of our program. Venturing out into the local area allows children to explore the world around them, and feel a part of their community.

Kinder Vegetable
 Garden

Our Kinder has its own vegetable and herb gardens and fruit trees which we use for growing, harvesting and cooking healthy food.

Storypark App
Access

Storypark connects our educators with parents, providing the ability to share news, service updates, progress and exciting moments from kinder to home!

Space to
Explore

Our indoor and outdoor play areas are designed to encourage learning and exploration and include a sensory path, dry creek bed, shaded verandah, sandpits, mud-pit, pirate ship and climbing equipment.

Safeguarding Children
and Young People

We pride ourselves on our commitment to the safeguarding of children and young people, providing safe and fun environments for children to flourish.

Philosophy

Our kindergarten’s philosophy guides our teaching and approach to early learning. It is informed by the National Quality Framework and underpins all our service’s operations and daily practices.
For more details, please ask us for a copy of our Philosophy Statement.

The Y has been delivering Early Learning Programs for over 20 years and is passionate about creating safe, fun, educational environments where children can thrive. At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people and we feel there is no better time to begin inspiring than in an Early Learning program!

Enrolment & Session Information

Castlemaine Kindergarten’s enrolment process is managed by the Y Kinders’ enrolment team.

We operate free 4 year old and 3 year old kindergarten programs on the days and times below:

2025 session times are provisional.

Mixed-age 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten

Group 1 – Mixed-age Group (2024)

Day Time
Monday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Tuesday 8.15am – 3.45pm

Group 2 – Mixed-age Group (2024)

Day Time
Wednesday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Thursday 8.15am – 3.45pm

Group 3 – Mixed-age Group (2024)

Day Time
Monday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Friday 8.15am – 3.45pm

Group 4 – Mixed-age Group (2024)

Day Time
Tuesday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Friday 8.15am – 3.45pm

Group 5 – Mixed-age Group (2024)

Day Time
Wednesday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Friday 8.15am – 3.45pm

Wirmal – Mixed-age Group (2025)

Day Time
Wednesday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Thursday 8.15am – 3.45pm

3 Year Old Kindergarten

Banya Group (2024)

Day Time
Wednesday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm
Friday 9.00am – 3.00pm

Gurri Group (2025)

Day Time
Monday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Tuesday 8.15am – 3.45pm

4 Year Old Kindergarten

Gurri Group (2024)

Day Time
Monday 9.00am – 3.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am – 3.00pm
Wednesday 9.00am – 12.00pm

Banya Group (2025)

Day Time
Wednesday 9.00am – 12.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm
Friday 9.00am – 3.00pm

Yula Wil (2025)

Day Time
Monday 8.30am – 4.00pm
Tuesday 8.30am – 4.00pm

For additional support on your child’s enrolment, contact our Y Kinders enrolment team:

  • Call us on 03 4311 1500
  • Email us at earlyyears@ykinders.org.au
  • Chat to us using the contact form on this page
 

Parent Info

We understand that starting kindergarten can be a big step for your child and your family.

From choosing and visiting a service, through to enrolling, orientation and anticipating the important first day, these all form the path to your child commencing at kindergarten.

Enrolment Assistance

To enrol in one of our programs please use the links on this page.

For assistance or further information, please fill in the form below.


The Y acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and future.

View our full Commitment Statements here .

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