Thorpdale & District
Kindergarten

Our Centre

Thorpdale & District Kindergarten provides a stimulating and nurturing environment that encourages and fosters children’s individual development. We believe that children learn through play and provide opportunities that will help children to develop knowledge and practice skills. We offer an atmosphere where children are encouraged to become independent learners as they grow and develop.

Our program is based on our observations of the children reflecting the Victorian Early years Learning and Development Framework.

Our program offers an inviting environment that promotes a sense of wonder, allowing children to explore, communicate, observe, reflect, create, collaborate, cooperate, problem solve and imagine. We have permanent learning areas, such as blocks, creative arts, dramatic play, puzzles/maths, literacy, and a sensory area. In addition, we offer music, dance and drama to build children’s interest growth and confidence.

We believe that children learn in the context of their families and aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all families are encouraged to participate and contribute to children’s learning experiences.

We value parents’ contributions to our program by openly inviting them to engage in hands-on assistance during sessions, inviting families to special days at the kinder as well as offering the opportunity to assist with outside of kinder hours functions and working bees. We also have a Parent Advisory Group which provides support to the educators and organises fundraisers for the kindergarten.

Thorpdale & District 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

Thorpdale & District Kindergarten

Johnstone Street,
Thorpdale, VIC, 3835

Tel: (03) 4311 1545

Email: thorpdale@ykinders.org.au

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 curriculum. Venturing out into the local area allows children to explore the world around them, and feel a part of their community.

Kitchen Garden
Program

Our Kinder has its own worm farm and vegetable garden. We grow, harvest and cook our own produce! We promote healthy eating and teach our children about the importance of healthy foods.

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 outdoor play areas are designed to encourage learning and exploration in the natural environment and include a cubby house, sensory garden and a sandpit.

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

Thorpdale & District Kindergarten’s enrolment process is managed centrally by the Baw Baw Shire Council and is supported by the Y Kinders’ enrolment team who will provide information and support on any queries relating to your child’s enrolment.

We operate both 4 year old and 3 year old free kindergarten programs as a single mixed-age group on the days and times below:

2025 session times are provisional.

3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten

Mixed-age 3 & 4 Year Old Group (2024 & 2025)

Day Time
Monday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am – 2.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 2.00pm

For additional support on your child’s enrolment, contact our 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 commence the enrolment process, please register with Baw Baw Shire’s Central Applications using 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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