Bridging the gap between toddlerhood and kindergarten.

Little Scholars Kindy Painting Art Creative Learning

Junior and Senior Kindy at Little Scholars is an educational program for children aged 2 to 4 years designed around how this age group actually learns — through play, relationships and doing.

The play-based curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and focuses on building language, social skills, confidence and growing independence across our Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay and Ipswich campuses.

Warm routines, intentional educators and rich learning environments — so your child can take that next big developmental leap with confidence.

Little Scholars Kindy Painting Art Creative Learning

Nurturing connections

Qualified, consistent educators helping children feel emotionally secure, ease
separation and build lasting trust.

Personalised care

Consistent routines for sleep and meals, plus experiences planned around your child’s interests and developmental stage.

Play-based learning

Experiences that build early literacy and numeracy, confidence, coordination and problem solving.

Family partnership

Daily communication and updates so you always know how your child’s day has unfolded.

Our Junior Kindy and Senior Kindy Environments

Our Junior and Senior Kindy studios are thoughtfully set up so children can make choices and move between quiet and active areas. Inside you’ll find cosy reading nooks, creative corners, construction zones and dramatic play spaces that reflect children’s interests. Outside, children enjoy expansive playgrounds with sandpits, water play, climbing equipment, forts, bikes and nature.

The Curriculum

Learning through play in our Junior and Senior Kindy studios

At this age, the curriculum is highly play-based to match the rapid brain growth occurring in early childhood. Every experience is intentional, every moment is an opportunity to grow.

Key focus areas include:

Strong relationships.
Big feelings supported.

Little Scholars And Educator Playing Outdoors

Relationships are everything in our Junior and Senior Kindy studios. Consistent, caring educators get to know each child deeply — helping them feel safe, understood and ready to explore the world around them.

We gently guide children through big emotions, friendships, separation and growing independence with empathy and clear routines, building a strong sense of belonging and confidence.

Little Scholars And Educator Playing Outdoors
Our typical daily rhythm

A day in the life in our Junior and Senior Kindy Studios

Flexible and responsive to each child's ideas, interests and needs — while keeping the rhythm consistent enough for children to feel secure.

Arrivals & Settle
6:30 – 9:00
  • Warm handover and quick routine check
  • Child chooses a comfortable first activity — indoor or outdoor
Morning Rhythm
9:00 – 11:00
  • Group time and interactive learning
  • Intentional teaching and projects — literacy/numeracy games, science, culture, arts and crafts
  • Outdoor time and Bush Kinder experiences
  • Morning snack
Lunch & Wind-down
11:00 – 12:30
  • Meal time practising self-help skills — setting up, serving, cleaning up
  • Calm transition to rest with stories and quiet time
Rest
12:00 – 2:30
  • Supervised rest following individual routines
  • Quiet reading and independent activities for non-sleepers
Afternoon Rhythm
2:30 – 6:30
  • Group activities and indoor/outdoor play
  • Music, movement and calmer creative choices as the day winds down
  • Afternoon snack and warm pick-up handover

Extracurricular Programs for Junior & Senior Kindy.

Beyond the everyday - Enriching experiences woven into your child's week.

Programs vary by campus.

Outdoor Explorers

Bush Kinder outdoor adventures for curious minds.

Our Bush and Beach Kinder program gives Junior and Senior Kindy children regular, supervised time to explore local natural environments — parks, bushland and green spaces across SE Queensland.

Through climbing, collecting, listening and observing, children build confidence, resilience and a deep connection to nature while developing physical, social and problem-solving skills.

It’s one of the most developmentally powerful parts of our prekindy program — and one of the things children talk about most at home.

Your child's pre-kindy journey starts here

Whether your child is ready for Junior or Senior Kindy, our campuses across Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay and Ipswich are enrolling now for children aged 2-4 years. Come and see what we do - we'd love to meet your family.

Grow · Inspire · Learn · Contribute

Your Junior & Senior Kindy questions answered.

What ages is Junior and Senior Kindy at Little Scholars for?
Our Junior and Senior Kindy program is designed for children aged 2 to 4 years, across all our SE Queensland campuses — Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redland Bay and Ipswich. We use flexible groupings based on each child's developmental stage rather than age alone, so your child is always with peers at the right level for them.
What is the difference between Junior Kindy and Senior Kindy?
Junior Kindy is for children roughly 2–3 years old and focuses on building early independence, language, social skills and emotional regulation. Senior Kindy is for children approaching 3–4 years and introduces more structured learning — early literacy, numeracy, project-based experiences and school readiness skills — while remaining highly play-based. Both programs are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
What does a typical day look like in Junior and Senior Kindy?
The daily rhythm is flexible and responsive to children's interests and needs. A typical day includes a warm arrival and settle-in, group time with intentional teaching, outdoor and Bush Kinder experiences, lunch with self-help practice, supervised rest, and an active afternoon with music, movement and creative play — finishing with a warm pick-up handover.
How do you support big emotions and behaviour at this age?
Big feelings are completely normal for 2–4 year olds — and our educators are highly experienced in supporting them. We use empathy, consistent routines and positive language to help children understand and regulate their emotions. We never use shame or punishment, and we work in close partnership with families to ensure a consistent approach between home and care.
Do you support toilet learning in Junior and Senior Kindy?
Yes — but only when your child is developmentally ready. We follow your lead completely and never rush or pressurise children. Our educators provide consistent, encouraging support and keep you informed every step of the way, working as a team with your family to make the transition as smooth and positive as possible.
What meals and snacks are provided?
All meals are freshly prepared onsite daily by a qualified chef and approved by Nutrition Australia. We provide three-course meals and snacks designed for growing children, with full accommodation of allergies and dietary requirements. Nappies and wipes are also included in the daily fee for younger children.
How does the Junior and Senior Kindy program prepare children for kindergarten?
Our Senior Kindy program is specifically designed to build school readiness. Children develop early literacy and numeracy skills, fine motor control, self-help abilities, emotional regulation and confidence in group settings. By the time they move to our Kindergarten room or an external kindy, children are well-prepared, confident and genuinely excited about the next step.
What outdoor experiences do children get in Junior and Senior Kindy?
Children get outdoor time every day in our purpose-built outdoor spaces. We also run our Bush and Beach Kinder program — regular supervised excursions into local parks, bushland and natural environments across SE Queensland. These outings build confidence, resilience, physical development and a genuine love of the natural world.
How do you keep parents informed about their child's day?
We use the Little Scholars family app to share real-time photos, learning updates and daily summaries throughout the day. You'll also receive a warm verbal handover at pick-up, and our educator teams are always available to discuss your child's progress, any concerns and next developmental steps.

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