Community Kids Horsham

Victoria Kindergarten
4.2 /5
5 reviews

Childcare and kindergarten in Horsham, VIC

Welcome to Community Kids Horsham. Our daycare and early learning centre is ideally located for families in Horsham and Dooen. Community Kids Horsham offers long day care and a kindergarten program for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, with extended hours to suit busy families.

Our purpose-built daycare and kindergarten centre in Horsham offers innovative early learning programs in a safe and nurturing environment. Our Horsham childcare centre provides age-appropriate experiences, with separate outdoor spaces for different age groups ensuring safe and adequate supervision. Your child will enjoy the shaded sandpit, outdoor kitchen, sensory wall, climbing frames and bike paths. Our purpose-built indoor spaces are designed based on children’s interests, offering numerous opportunities for creativity, nature science, and drama. We offer pet care experiences, including caring for our turtle Ninja in the Pre-Kinder room and observing fish in our entrance tank. We have a team of experienced early childhood educators dedicated to supporting children’s learning. We also regularly welcome community guests and take excursions to nearby locations, enriching children’s experiences.

Why you’ll love Community Kids Horsham

Spacious outdoor environments

Passionate, qualified educators

Nappies and wipes provided

Chef-prepared meals

Kindergarten program

Family communication app

Extended/flexible hours

Incursions/excursions

Music and movement

Centre pets

Meet our Centre Manager

Billie-jo

  • Diploma of Children’s Services
  • First Aid, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Child Protection Trained
“When children move, touch, and experience, they learn better.”

I began my career in early learning in 2019 and joined Community Kids Horsham as the Lead Educator in early 2021. The bonds I have created with children and their families have been the most rewarding part of my journey. I continue to learn and grow in all aspects of my career and am excited for the future.

I enjoy observing children, following their cues, and providing opportunities to extend their abilities and knowledge. I enjoy encouraging children to discover their interests and provide them with opportunities to grow and develop. When children move, touch, and experience, they learn better.

At our Horsham childcare centre, our team of dedicated educators works collaboratively through meetings, professional development, and reflection. Our educators strive to meet the individual needs of each child, creating activities and learning experiences that are personal, meaningful and beneficial. All team members hold First Aid certificates and update CPR, anaphylaxis, and asthma training annually. We also complete extensive child protection training yearly to ensure a safe environment for all children and families.

Communication is key to maintaining strong relationships with our families. We use emails, notifications on our family app, notices, and verbal reminders. Our reception area features a borrowing library with a great selection of books. Throughout the year, we hold fundraisers, special days, and cultural celebrations.

We look forward to welcoming you into our Community Kids Horsham early learning family.

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Our innovative early learning programs

At our early learning centre in Horsham, our experienced educators and teachers continually seek innovative ways to enrich your child’s education. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, we offer a variety of engaging and diverse learning experiences, including:

Sustainability

We promote sustainability through our recycling station, encouraging children and families to bring in empty boxes and bottles for reuse in daily activities. Other practices include composting food scraps, conserving water by using leftovers for garden care, and maintaining garden beds where children grow food used in our meals.

Community engagement

We regularly welcome special community guests, including librarians, emergency services, and dancers, to enrich our program. Children and educators also enjoy community walks and excursions to nearby locations, fostering a strong connection with our local community.

Music and movement

Our evidence-based Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program is designed to develop fundamental skills that help support children’s self-regulation, memory, and concentration. It is an innovative approach to holistic learning, development and well-being in early childhood.

STEM

We encourage your child to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve, all while engaging their natural curiosity. By fostering this inquisitive mindset, we help them develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

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Age-appropriate early learning

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(0-18 months)

Nursery

The main goals for our nursery room are to provide a safe, nurturing environment to help settle new and existing families into the service, ensuring that each child feels secure and comfortable. By fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the nursery aims to build strong, trusting relationships with families, easing the transition for both children and families. This supportive environment promotes early development and well-being, laying a foundation for future learning and growth.

  Next: Toddler
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(1-3 years)

Toddler

The Toddlers (1 year – 2 years), Toddler Two (1.5 years – 2.5/3 years), and Juniors (2 years – 3 years) rooms collectively focus on supporting children’s development through various stages of early childhood. In Toddler 1, the emphasis is on nurturing children’s interests and providing opportunities for exploration and extended learning. Moving to Toddler Two, the focus shifts to fostering self-autonomy, encouraging children to make decisions independently. In the Juniors room, the primary goals are to develop self-help skills and the ability to self-regulate emotions, laying a strong foundation for personal growth and social interaction.

Previous: Nursery Next: Kindergarten
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(3-5 years)

Kindergarten

The Pre-Kinder (3 years – 4 years) and Kinder (4 years – 5 years) rooms are dedicated to preparing children for their next educational steps. In the Pre-Kinder room, the main goals are to further support children’s autonomy and self-regulation, equipping them with the skills needed for a smooth transition to kindergarten. In the Kinder room, the primary focus is on school readiness, ensuring that children are well-prepared for the academic and social demands of formal schooling. We are committed to supporting your child in gaining the necessary skills for a successful transition into school and beyond.

Previous: Toddler  
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Victorian Government-approved Kindergarten program

Our kindergarten programs are tailored to meet your child’s individual learning needs across numeracy, literacy, emotional and social development, resilience, and self-regulation.

Our early learning centre offers the VIC Government-approved Kindergarten program, supporting your child’s development and well-being from now, at school and beyond. In Victoria, 3 and 4-year-old children are able to access a funded kindergarten program led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. If eligible, your child will be able to participate in the Government-approved Kindergarten program, at no cost, up to a minimum of 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year. Talk to us about how this reduces your out-of-pocket costs.

The added benefits of our kindergarten program include:

  • Extended long day care opening hours
  • Open all year round (excl. public holidays)
  • Programs developed and delivered by our Early Childhood Teachers
  • Exclusive music and movement program for self-regulation
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We’re all about healthy, nutritious eating

Thanks to the in-house chef at our Berwick child care centre, your child can expect healthy, nutritious, and yummy meals. We offer a rotating seasonal menu, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack freshly made daily. We cater to all dietary requirements, including halal.

What a typical day looks like for your child

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Arrival at the centre

Your child will be welcomed by our team of educators, who will ensure the morning transition from home to centre goes as smoothly as possible. On arrival, share information about your child’s specific needs for the day.

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Mealtimes

Our centre chefs prepare a nutritious menu for your child to sit down and eat. This is a great time for everyone to share stories from the day. Educators model healthy eating practices, social behaviours and support children’s growing independence with mealtime routines.

Previous: Arrival at the centre Next: Infant care
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Infant care

If you have an infant, we spend one-on-one time with them to establish a connection. Educators talk gently and respond to babies’ cues. We use songs, games, and conversations to strengthen relationships and build language skills.

Previous: Mealtimes Next: Play-based learning
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Play-based learning

Your child is naturally curious. They want to learn and explore, which is why we teach through play-based learning. It supports language, motor skills, memory, emotions and social relationships. Educators plan play-based learning experiences based on children’s interests and goals.

Previous: Infant care Next: Sleep, rest and relaxation
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Sleep, rest and relaxation

We match routines to your child’s individual needs. Opportunities for rest and relaxation help make them feel safe. Play-based learning experiences are provided for older children who no longer don’t sleep in centre.

Previous: Play-based learning Next: Heading home
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Heading home

As your child prepares to head home, this is your opportunity to speak with our friendly educators about your child’s day and everything they learnt. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

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Communicating with families

We prioritise clear and consistent communication with families to foster a strong partnership in supporting each child’s development. We ensure families feel informed, involved, and confident in their child’s early learning journey.

Our families love hearing about their child’s progress and the experiences they’re having day to day. We share these moments through centre newsletters, our Xplor App, one-on-one meetings, and at various centre events.

Fees

The Child Care Subsidy can reduce your daily out-of-pocket fee by up to 95% depending on your family’s entitlements.

  • Nursery0 – 2 years

    $152.50
  • Toddler2 – 3 years

    $152.50
  • Kindergarten3 – 5 years

    $152.50

Child Care Subsidy Estimator

Discover how much child care subsidy you may be entitled to by entering the fields below.*

1-4 days = full day session; 5 days = 10 hour per day sessions

CCS Estimator results

  • Estimated subsidy

    $0.00
  • Total fees

    $0.00
  • Out-of-pocket cost

    $0.00

*This estimator provides an estimate only and is based on the following assumptions:

  • Accuracy and currency of family income information entered.
  • Family CCS entitlements include 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. Please note your family may be entitled to less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight – if you are unsure we recommend you use the comprehensive CCS estimator in the link below.
  • Where 1-4 days of care is selected, full day sessions apply (being full operational hours of the centre, which can vary between centres).
  • Where 5 days of care is selected, 10-hour per day sessions apply (ie, 50 hours p/w to optimise 100 hours of CCS subsidised care across the fortnight).
  • Where a family’s CCS entitlements include less than 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, please use the comprehensive CCS calculator as a guide via the link below.

For a more complete subsidy estimation, check out our comprehensive CCS calculator here.

Calculate my subsidy

Frequently asked questions

A centre tour is a convenient way to experience the childcare centre of your choice and meet with our qualified educators at a time that is suitable for your family’s schedule. Click here to book a tour online.

On the day of the tour, you can observe practices and interactions within the centre environment. You’ll be able to see all the rooms and playgrounds, ask the team members any questions you have in mind, and get all the information you need to make the best decision for your child.

Our Family Support Team will add your child’s name to our waitlist if one of our childcare centres is currently full in your child’s age group. We will then contact you as soon as a place becomes available.

We also do monthly check-ins to review availability, and you will receive a text message confirming whether you’re still happy to remain on the waitlist each month. If you would like an update at any point, you’re welcome to reach out on our Web Chat or give us a call.

Our Family Support Team can also help you find more G8 early learning centres near you, with the same offerings at the Community Kids centre you are interested in that have immediate availability.

It’s common for a child to experience separation anxiety when they first start child care. When you’re getting ready to start child care, you can help your child overcome anxieties by visiting the child care service together for a Stay and Play session, and easing into new routines at home.

Read more tips about how to make the transition easier for your child.

Most of our child care and early education centres offer nappies and wipes, sunscreen and hats, as well as nutritious meals prepared by our in-house cook. Some centres also provide sheets and formula, so you may not need to remember to pack them.

For nursery children, be sure to bring: nappy rash cream, dummies, bottles and teats, comfort toys or blankets, three spare outfits and spare socks.

For toddlers and preschool or kindergarten-aged children, it’s best to bring: spare underwear, water bottle or sippy cup, sun hat, closed-toe shoes, two spare outfits and spare socks.

Plus, anything else your individual child may need, such as breast milk, a sleeping bag, a comforter or medication.

It’s best to speak to your centre of choice for a full list of everything included.

Community Kids uses Xplor Home as our family communication app. It is the best and easiest way to keep track of your child’s day.

After you enrol your child with the centre, you can utilise Xplor Home to book child care days, manage your account, receive the photographs that capture your child’s learning, learn about your child’s progress, as well as keep up-to-date with upcoming centre events and important information.

If your child shows signs of an infectious illness when they arrive at the centre or becomes sick during the day, you may be notified that you need to make alternative arrangements or pick up your child from the centre and keep them home until they are no longer infectious. While we understand that this can be inconvenient, Community Kids is committed to maintaining a healthy environment and reducing the risk of infection for all children.

Under the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), families are allowed 42 absence days per child, per financial year. These can be taken for any reason, including public holidays and when children are sick, without requiring families to provide documentation.

Contact us

We look forward to welcoming your family.