Deanside Kindergarten Meadows drive, Deanside, Victoria 3335

Welcome to Deanside Kindergarten, located at Deanside on Meadows Drive in Australia. We are a well-established institution, dedicated to empowering and inspiring Melbourne's children and young people since 1883.

Formerly known as TRY Australia, we are now Sparkways! Although our name has changed, our commitment to supporting and empowering young people remains the same. We believe that every child's journey is unique, and we strive to provide diverse learning opportunities and environments that support, enhance, and challenge them to thrive.

Our play-based programs and curriculum are developed in line with the National Quality Framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework principles. We have a team of fantastic professional teachers who ensure that children learn and grow while having fun.

One of our key strengths is our close relationship with Deanside Primary School. This partnership provides seamless transitions to primary school, with shared resources, co-curriculum planning, and regular shared activities across the site. We aim to provide all children with access to rich social experiences and a smooth transition to their next educational journey.

At Sparkways, the health and well-being of every child is our top priority. All our educators are highly qualified and trained in child safety, and we hold the rights of the child at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating a safe, recognized, respected, and heard environment for all children.

We welcome all members of the community and recognize that parents are the first and most important teachers in their children's lives. We work in partnership with families and the community, getting to know about children's family histories, cultures, values, celebrations, and rituals. This knowledge is crucial for the development of our early learning programs.

In addition to our early learning programs, we provide families with access to our Family Support Facilitators. These facilitators offer additional support, referrals to other services, or just a listening ear. We understand that the needs of families, children, staff, and the community are continually changing, and we strive to ensure that our service is responsive to those needs.

Our curriculum is play-based and draws reference from socio-cultural theories of learning and teaching. We believe that children build their understanding of the world through their interactions with others and their environment.

We offer different group options for children aged 3 and 4, with varying session times throughout the week. The Victorian Government provides funding to support children in accessing a high-quality kindergarten program in the two years before they start school. From 2023, kindergarten programs will be free for three and four-year-old children, saving families up to $2,500 per year.

As a sun-safe organization, we provide child-friendly sunscreen, but if your child has sensitive skin, you are welcome to provide your preferred brand. We also encourage families to have begun toilet training, and we will support their child's development in this area.

At Deanside Kindergarten, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate diversity and value the lived experience of people of every ethnicity, faith, age, disability, culture, language, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Join us at Deanside Kindergarten and be a part of a movement dedicated to empowering and inspiring Victoria's children and young people. Contact us today to learn more or to enroll your child.