Kinder in Mackay
- Registered child care provider for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years
- Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework to support each child’s sense of being, belonging & becoming
- Qualified educators deliver holistic programs that support each child’s learning & development
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Mackay Kinder
35+
Years
Experience
The year before kindergarten is a crucial bridge between play-focused early childhood and more structured school-based learning. At Birralee Child Care Centre in Mackay, the pre-kindy program is designed to prepare children aged 3–4 for this transition in a way that’s engaging, supportive and tailored to each child’s needs.
This stage focuses on building school readiness through a mix of early literacy, numeracy and social-emotional learning—all delivered through creative, play-based experiences that keep children curious and confident.
- Builds early literacy & numeracy skills
- Encourages social & emotional development
- Supports confident, independent learners
Through group activities, storytelling, hands-on exploration and open-ended play, children begin to take greater responsibility for their learning and routines. Educators guide them gently through this growth, fostering independence, resilience and problem-solving.
Call Birralee Child Care Centre on
07 4952 3585 to ask about availability in our pre-kinder room.
Exploring, Learning & Growing Together
Kinder is a year of rapid growth—both socially and developmentally. At this stage, children are becoming more aware of themselves and others, and they thrive in environments that offer both structure and freedom. At Birralee, the kinder program is designed to help children explore new ideas, develop friendships, express themselves creatively and practise essential skills they’ll need in kindergarten.
Educators use intentional teaching strategies to introduce concepts like letter recognition, counting, shapes and emotional language, all in a way that feels natural and fun. Daily routines help children feel secure while encouraging self-help skills like packing their own bags, managing transitions and working with peers. The environment is welcoming, inclusive and set up to support curiosity and imagination at every turn.
If your child is getting ready for kindergarten and you're looking for a program that balances learning with fun, get in touch today to speak with our team and learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is kinder in Australia?
In Australia, kinder typically refers to children aged around 3 to 4 years, in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten (often known as preschool or kindy). It’s a time when children begin transitioning from toddler routines into more structured learning environments. While age cut-offs can vary slightly by state, most children in pre-kinder are developing the skills they’ll need to succeed in formal education.
What should a kinder program include?
A high-quality kinder program includes play-based learning with a focus on early literacy and numeracy, emotional regulation, problem-solving and social interaction. Activities should help children build independence, develop friendships, explore creativity and strengthen language skills. Daily routines provide structure, while intentional teaching supports school readiness in a relaxed, age-appropriate way.
How does kinder prepare children for kindergarten?
Kinder helps children become confident and capable learners before entering a formal classroom environment. It introduces children to foundational academic concepts, such as letter and number recognition, while also building key life skills like following instructions, working in groups, and managing emotions. This helps ease the transition into kindergarten and supports long-term educational success.