A second year of four year old kindergarten

For some children, an additional year of four-year-old kindergarten can provide the extra time and support needed to thrive. This decision is not about remedying a gap in learning, it’s about recognising and responding to each child's unique developmental journey.

Understanding the benefits

Children develop at their own pace, and some may benefit from more time to build confidence, social skills, or language abilities. An extra year allows children to strengthen these foundational skills in a familiar environment, setting them up for a successful transition to school.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) highlights the importance of holistic development:

"Children’s learning is dynamic, complex and holistic. Physical, social, emotional, personal, spiritual, creative, cognitive and linguistic aspects of learning are all intricately interwoven." (AGDE, 2022, p. 14)

An additional year supports this holistic growth, ensuring children are ready to engage with the challenges of formal schooling. This is a transition where we want children to thrive, not just survive.

ECMS's approach to pedagogy

At ECMS, our pedagogy is grounded in the principles of place-based and relational learning. We understand that each child's development is influenced by their relationships, culture, and community. Our educators work closely with families to create inclusive, responsive programs that meet children where they are.

As noted in our pedagogical framework:

"Relationships sit at the heart of Early Childhood Education (ECE), and it is our work in the nest of these relationships that has us committed to making sure our practice and pedagogy reflect how vital relationships are." (ECMS, 2024)

This approach ensures that decisions about an additional year are made collaboratively, with the child's best interests at heart.

Funding for an additional year

In Victoria, the Department of Education provides funding for a second year of kindergarten when it is in the child's best interest. Eligibility is determined through a collaborative process involving educators and families, focusing on the child's learning and development needs. To be eligible for this additional year of funding:

• your child's teacher has found they have developmental delays in at least 2 key areas of learning and development.
• your child will have better outcomes through a second year of kindergarten than going to school.

The process includes:

• Assessment of the child's learning and development
• Discussion with the family
• Completion of a declaration of eligibility

This ensures that the decision is well-informed and tailored to the child's needs.

A positive step

Choosing an additional year of kindergarten is a proactive step to support a child's development and meet them where they are so that they can thrive in any learning environment. At ECMS, we view this decision as part of our commitment to inclusive, child-centred education.

Our focus is on creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. An extra year can provide the stability and support some children need to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

An additional year of kindergarten can be a valuable opportunity for children to grow, explore, and develop at their own pace. With the support of ECMS's relational pedagogy and the Victorian Government's funding provisions, families can make informed decisions that prioritise their child's well-being and nurture their love of learning.

Find out more about kindergarten on our website.

References

• Australian Government Department of Education. (2022). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (V2.0).
• Department of Education and Training Victoria. (2023). Second Year of Funded Kindergarten Checklist.
• ECMS. (2024). Pedagogy at ECMS.