Free Kinder
A Kindergarten That Feels Like Home
The Yaringa difference
Choosing the right kindergarten is a vital step in shaping your child’s future. As a trusted early learning centre in Cranbourne, Yaringa blends the professionalism of qualified educators with the warmth of a community-focused environment and an open-door approach. Children learn in small groups where every stage of growth is supported, and families feel included from day one.
Family feel
Join a family-owned early learning centre that feels like a close-knit community, not a chain.
Expert teachers
Trust passionate educators who bring expertise and individual attention to every stage of your child’s learning.
Child-centred
Watch your child flourish in programs shaped by their interests and ideas, building confidence, creativity and independence.
Connected care
Stay involved with daily updates, newsletters and family events, plus snapshots and learning stories through the OWNA app.
Free 15 Hours
Our government-funded kindergarten provides 15 hours of free learning each week for 3- and 4-year-olds. With qualified teachers on site every day, your child enjoys consistent guidance and small group support. These hours are generally offered as two 7.5-hour sessions (8:30am–4:00pm), with families able to choose their days depending on availability.
Flexible Days
If you need more than the 15 funded hours, we offer flexible options to suit your schedule. Most families choose two 7.5-hour days (8:30am–4:00pm), but we can adapt to your needs. Extra hours are supported by rebates to help with costs, giving your child more opportunities to learn and play while keeping fees affordable.
Where strong foundations and bright futures begin
Our preschool learning programs are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the national Early Years Learning Framework, Being, Belonging and Becoming. These government-approved frameworks ensure children develop socially, emotionally and academically, building the skills they need for school and life — all while learning through play, discovery and creativity.
Play-based
Interactive experiences spark curiosity and encourage confidence through hands-on exploration.
Social
Small, focused groups help children form friendships, practise teamwork and gain a sense of belonging.
Language
Stories, songs and conversations nurture expression, listening and early literacy.
Numeracy
Everyday activities introduce counting, patterns and problem-solving in ways that feel fun and natural.
A day in the life at Yaringa
While no two days are exactly the same, our kindergarten program follows a standard day timetable that helps children feel secure while leaving room for discovery and special activities.
Meet the Yaringa team
Your child’s formative years are guided by expert teachers who bring professional training, passion and care to every interaction. With small groups, experienced educators and a focus on school readiness, our team ensures every child builds strong foundations for future learning.
Expert qualifications
Your child learns from three early childhood education professionals, trained and qualified from birth to school age, providing a higher level of expertise than many centres.
Ongoing learning
Educators prioritise continuous professional development, ensuring they stay current with best practices in early education.
Small group focus
Smaller class sizes mean more individual attention and stronger learning outcomes for your child.
Future ready
Educators equip children with the confidence, independence and skills they need for a smooth transition to school.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions we hear most from families.
Our 15 Hour Kindergarten Program is available for children aged 3 and 4 years. Eligibility is based on age and residency requirements. We welcome all families to apply.
We’re open Monday to Friday, 6:30am–6:00pm, offering flexible long day care alongside our kindergarten programs. This makes it easier to balance funded kinder hours with your family’s schedule.
Please pack a bag with a water bottle, change of clothes and any comfort items your child may need. Families provide nappies and formula for babies, while we supply meals, sunscreen and hats.
Yes. Balanced, home-cooked meals are provided daily as part of the Healthy Achievement Program, ensuring every child has the energy and nutrition they need to play, learn and thrive.
Funded kindergarten is free for eligible 3 and 4 year olds. Day care rates vary depending on your child’s attendance, with childcare fees reduced further through the Child Care Subsidy. We’ll explain the options and rebates when you enrol.
Child safety is our highest priority. Our Cranbourne childcare and kindergarten centre follows the National Child Safe Standards, with secure entry systems, fenced outdoor areas and regular safety drills. Educators are trained to provide vigilant supervision and a nurturing environment.
Yes. Our educators are experienced in supporting children with diverse abilities and additional needs. We work closely with families and specialists to create inclusive programs where every child feels supported.
We follow (and exceed) national standards: 1 educator for every 4 children under 3, and 1 educator for every 11 children over 3. We always staff above ratio to ensure attentive care.
We offer orientation visits so children can explore the centre with a parent before starting. Educators take time to build trust and comfort, helping your child feel safe and supported during their transition.
Children experience a balance of learning, play, rest and meals. While routines guide each day, there’s always room for exploration, creativity and special activities.
Our kindergarten program builds confidence, social skills and independence to prepare children for school. Educators also liaise with local schools to make the move as smooth as possible.
We have an open-door approach for families. Parents are welcome to visit, and with a valid Working With Children Check, you can also join excursions or special events.
No, Yaringa does not require a uniform. We encourage children to dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows them to play and explore freely. Hats and sunscreen are provided as part of our Healthy Achievement Program to support sun safety.
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