Our Centre offers the Victorian Government-approved ‘Kinder: Best Start, Best Life’ program for 3–4-year-olds, providing 15 hours per week of funded Kindergarten. This program supports children’s learning, development, and well-being, setting them up for future success. ​

From 2026, all G8 Education-funded kindergarten programs can provide Pre-Prep to eligible children from priority cohorts across the state for up to 25 hours per week.​

Evidence shows that 2 years of early childhood education has a stronger positive effect on children who need extra support, giving them more time to deepen their learning experience with teachers and educators. ​

Priority cohort children are identified as any of the below:​

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children​
• Children from a refugee or asylum seeker background​
• Children who have had contact with Child Protection​
• Children who were supported by Early Start Kindergarten (ESK) or Access to Early Learning (AEL) in their Three-Year-Old Kindergarten year.

Our Enhanced Learning Program for Kindergarten children focuses on: ​

• Numeracy & Literacy: Developing key skills for lifelong learning. ​
• Self-Regulation: Fostering emotional control and resilience. ​
• Social & Emotional Development: Supporting independence and building healthy relationships. ​
• Creativity & Problem-Solving: Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. ​

With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our Kindergarten program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development. ​

Additional Benefits Include: ​

• Government subsidy: Further reduces out-of-pocket Kinder fees in addition to your eligible Childcare Subsidy (CCS). ​
• Personalised Learning Plans: Tailored to your child’s unique needs. ​
• Rhythm and Resilience Program: Music and movement to improve emotional regulation. ​
• School Readiness: Preparing your child for a smooth transition to school. ​

We also engage with local schools and provide transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Stay connected with your child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers regular updates on their learning and development. ​

“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber

Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years

Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and by experimenting. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play, water play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing!

Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years

Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games and reading experiences.

On any given day the Toddler children can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.

Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn taking, developing self confidence and emotional self regulation. Our team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.

Kindergarten Space: 3 – 6 years

Kindergarten is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program encourages active engagement in learning and supports a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.

The oral language supports literacy learning. A child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Kindergarten children's development by engaging in rich discussions, introducing new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations, as well as singing, playing games, and reading with the children daily.

Throughout the Kindergarten year,children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.

Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, is supported through group learning environments. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and supporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Lastly, ensuring that all children are ready for the ‘big school’ by preparing them for all that ‘big school’ has to offer.

Our centre chef prepares and cooks healthy and nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating.

Our centre offers children nutrient-rich, unprocessed, and seasonal whole foods – created to delight the fussiest eaters.

Hi, my name is Kristen, and I am the Centre Manager here at Nurture One Kilmore. I prioritise building trust, creating supportive environments, and using consistent, positive guidance strategies tailored to each child.

I have been working in early childhood education since 2007 and have been part of the centre since then. I began my career as a Trainee and have progressed through roles including Lead Educator and Educational Leader. I have spent the past 10 years as Assistant Centre Manager. I was drawn to this profession through my passion for supporting children’s development and making a positive difference in their early years. What I value most is building strong relationships and supporting my team to grow, creating a positive environment where children are always at the centre of our practice.

Throughout my career, I have learned that every child is unique. Working with children with additional needs and those who display challenging behaviours has strengthened my understanding that behaviour is a form of communication. This guides my approach to be inclusive, responsive, and relationship-focused. I prioritise building trust, creating supportive environments, and using consistent, positive guidance strategies tailored to each child.

When speaking with families, I acknowledge that children learn everywhere, especially at home, and that families are their first teachers. Early childhood education and care complements this by providing structured, play-based learning opportunities and social experiences that support children’s confidence, independence, and development. Our team is diverse and collaborative, bringing a range of cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We have a mix of long-standing educators who provide consistency, alongside newer team members who bring fresh ideas. This creates a supportive environment where we learn from each other and deliver inclusive, high-quality care.

Building strong relationships with families is central to my role. I focus on open, respectful communication and take the time to understand each family’s values and goals. By being approachable, consistent, and supportive, I aim to build trust and create strong partnerships that support every child’s learning and development.