Curriculum
"In addition to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), the standard curriculum which every government-funded Early Learning Centre must follow, Choklits does things big, really big! Our curriculum is truly inclusive and designed to give every child the best possible start in life. We promote agency, independence and interdependence through interactions, experiences, routines and events, planned and unplanned. We believe Learning is Everywhere and our focus is on learning through play. Our Educator's extensive knowledge of the framework allows us to prepare meaningful and engaging programs based on children's development and individual interests.” - Janine Fox, Choklits Ringwood Educational Leader
Fee Inclusions
Sports program
Music & movement lessons
Yoga tuition
Weekly library excursions & language classes
All incursions and excursions
All meals, nappies & consumables
A Big Space For Flourishing Minds.
It is within these nurturing and stimulating environments, our highly qualified educators implement the Choklits curriculum; an educational framework which is led by the interest of the child to build knowledge and critical thinking. This high quality educational program encompasses literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, and language and is under-pinned by a focus on social and emotional development. This contemporary approach to learning sets the platform for successful transition to school and successful life-long learning.
Choklits follows the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), please click here for further Choklits specific information.
A Partnership With Parents
Parents and families are always welcome to visit any of our Choklits Child Care Centres in Ringwood, Surrey Hills or Croydon. Our ‘open-door’ policy encourages parents to visit us and discuss their child’s progress. The benefits of a supportive relationship between home and Choklits cannot be over-emphasised, as children develop confidence and a healthy understanding of themselves and others in a social context which respects and recognises individual differences.
The Environment
Choklits is most often described as “homely”. We have a humongous backyards and believe in large amounts of outdoor play. When you visit Choklits you’ll hear constant laughter, children singing, playing and busy at work. Over lunch, you’ll smell the home cooking and hear young voices cooperating and planning, discussing and sharing.
Sports Program; Choklits Activate
We have a real passion for the outdoors at Choklits, so it’s probably no surprise that we also love sport. We love getting active so much that we’ve developed a unique program called Choklits Activate which is facilitated within the Choklits grounds by our very own specialist teachers. Aside from the obvious fun, sports plays a key role in children’s developmental areas including; gross and fine motor skills, teamwork and cooperation, social interaction, listening and concentration. Children can also develop greater self-confidence through sport, enhance their self-esteem, develop a sense of achievement and shape their overall well being. Learn more at Choklits Activate.
Music & movement lessons
Music and movement are an integral part of each room’s program on a daily basis. The benefits of being involved in music is to help children familiarise themselves with instruments, different forms of music, dance and songs as well as group participation and interaction. Movement develops gross motor skills, coordination and cognitive skills. Additionally, we offer a complimentary weekly music incursion run by specialist music teachers.
Yoga tuition
The introduction of yoga at an early age helps children to develop healthy lifestyle practices and gives them several techniques to help them navigate life challenges. In early stages, yoga is the study and practice of the connection between mind and body. Simple techniques like learning to use deep tummy breathing in times of frustration introduces children to tools and ideas to help them stay calm and focused. Our yoga sessions are facilitated by specialist teachers each week.
Library excursions & language classes
Reading and language form the basis for lifelong learning. Our kindergarten classes often leaves the Choklits grounds and heads to the library where they borrow, browse, read and return books. Getting out into the community helps children begin to understand their place in the world and how to interact with others. As the telling and sharing of stories is one of the most effective ways children learn, our library visits are much loved by the children, often stoking their imaginations and enhancing their own storytelling skills. We also facilitate second language classes for most age groups at Choklits. This has included learning Chinese via the language program called ELLA (an Australian Government initiative that inspires children by driving a genuine interest in new language and culture), and Italian, Persian and Mandarin all lead by our own Educators.
All incursions and excursions
We facilitate many incursions and excursions each year to ensure we incorporate knowledge from well beyond the Choklits grounds. In the past that has included; animal experts, drama and dancing, indigenous awareness, an animal farm visit, dentist visit, photographer visit, road safety awareness, pet awareness, water safety awareness and a visit from Father Christmas. We also hold an annual Christmas concert and BBQ for our entire Community to attend. Each week is action packed for all our kindergarten classes and includes the Bush Kinder Program.
Our kindergarten class at Choklits Surrey Hills also visits Surrey Park and Blue Bell Hill each week.
And, our kindergarten class at Choklits Ringwood goes off site for a library visit and often travel by public bus to visit our friends at Estia Health in Ringwood. To see exactly what we get up to please watch this video.
All meals, consumables & welcome pack
Choklits are all inclusive centres so there is never anything extra to pay to attend. Our fees include all meals, nappies and consumables. We like everyone to feel at home here from day one so when each child starts they receive a welcome pack including a Choklits t-shirt, a copy of our Chef cookbook and a sun hat. We also provide bedding for the children who require it and have spare clothing for short-term loan.
Choklits Services have funded three-year-old and funded four-year-old kindergarten programs which all carry the important "Kinder Tick" identifier. You can be assured that services that have the government accredited Kinder Tick operate kindergarten programs led by qualified teachers, the program delivered is play-based and the program is funded by the Victorian Government.
Kindergarten is an important fundamental step in children’s learning journey and is strongly recommended for all children. From general health and wellbeing to developing independence and strong social skills, research shows kindergarten helps developmentally in many areas of life required for a smooth transition to primary school. Importantly, kindergarten is often the place children form some of their most important friendships and discover a lifelong love of learning.
Some of the benefits children gain from attending a quality kindergarten include:
Development of language, literacy, and numeracy skills: Kindergarten offers a diverse learning environment where children have access to tools and activities aimed at enhancing their language and literacy skills. For example, reading storybooks encourages an understanding and appreciation of language, while simultaneously developing literacy skills. The regular practice of counting objects cultivates numeracy skills. Choklits kindergarten classes often leave the centre grounds on excursions to libraries, post offices and other community destinations which presents many opportunities to practice and apply these skills in the real world. This foundational learning serves as an important building block for their future.
Fostering independence and boosting self-confidence: Attending kindergarten empowers your child to engage in independent activities. By completing tasks, making small decisions, and exploring new environments, children gradually develop a sense of self-confidence. They become accustomed to functioning independently, which is a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Improvement of social skills: Kindergarten is often a child’s first exposure to a social setting with their peers. They learn how to play calmly with other children, understand the value of sharing, and realise the rewards that come from collaborative activities. These experiences shape their social interactions and help build a solid foundation for future social endeavours.
Cultivating self-awareness and respect for others: Within the Choklits kindergarten environment, children learn about their personal boundaries and begin to understand their unique capabilities and limitations. Concurrently, they are taught to respect others, understanding that every individual is unique, thus instilling a strong sense of empathy and mutual respect.
Development of emotional skills: Kindergarten provides opportunities for children to explore and understand their own emotions as well as those of their peers. Through interactions and guided instruction, they learn to identify, express, and manage their feelings, which plays a crucial role in their emotional well-being.
Encouraging a love for learning and group activities: Kindergarten is an exciting blend of various group activities like talking, singing, dancing, drawing, and craft-making. Engaging in these activities with peers of the same age group inspires a love for learning. This joy for group activities sparks creativity, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for knowledge.
Facilitating the ability to make new friends: As children interact with their peers in various scenarios, they develop the necessary social skills to form new friendships. The friendships made in kindergarten often form the basis for social interaction patterns in later stages of life.
Introduction to new ideas and concepts: Kindergarten serves as a platform where children are exposed to a wide array of new ideas and concepts. The environments both within the Choklits grounds and in the surrounding community (regular excursions) nurture their curiosity and fosters a sense of wonder, stimulating intellectual growth and creativity. From science experiments to storytelling sessions, children are continuously engaged in thought-provoking activities that broaden their horizons.
The kindergarten experience is much more than just learning ABCs and 123s. It's a multifaceted journey that moulds children into a well-rounded individuals, preparing them for the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their educational journey. To learn more about kindergarten, how to choose a kindergarten program and the Choklits Kindergarten difference, head to choklits.com.au/kindergarten.
Note: many kindergartens are only open for limited hours and close periodically throughout the year. We operate from Monday to Friday and are open 52 weeks of the year including all school holidays to help cater for all family and work situations. More information can be found at choklits.com.au/kindergarten.
Our Centres
(03) 9879 5888