kindergarten programs for children of all ages, based in South Morang and Mernda, as well as Yan yean

Meet Belle

Welcome to Billy Buton Early Learning. My name is Belinda Pawley and I graduated from Melbourne University’s Bachelor’s Program about 11 years ago. I come from a very long line of Educators. Although I am a trained Mothercraft Nurse, my calling was to be a Kindergarten Teacher as to watching the growth of a child’s knowledge base is the most exciting thing in the world to me. Because of the development of the child’s neurological pathways, the 0-5 age range is the most interesting. Due to the work conducted in Italy on mirror neurons, it has been proven how vital it is that families choose the right Kindergarten Teacher for their child’s Early Childhood Years. I am currently studying and applying the work of Laura Fish and her teachings on attuned communication.

3-Year-Old Program

We welcome you to our 3 Year Old Registered Kindergarten Program. Our program is supported by the Victorian State Government. As the children have been progressing through the age groups at Billy Button they have been building their independent skills. This is the room where all these skills come together before the children’s big Pre-prep year. In the 3-year-old program we work with the children to ensure they are working on toilet training, becoming independent at meal times, dressing themselves, asking their friends if they can play and much more… Although this seems like a lot there is still time to stop and read a snuggly book together, build with the blocks, participate in dramatic play in our expansive home corner and explore their creative side with our art and craft area.

4 Year Old Program (Pre-prep)

We welcome you to our 4 Year Old Registered Kindergarten Program. This program is also supported by the Victorian State Government. Now that we have built up our independence it is time to focus on all the essential skills needed for a successful entry into the Foundation level of Primary School. Building fine motor muscles to strengthen the hands and lower arm muscles for handwriting is a consistent thread throughout the Pre-prep year. This is achieved by practicing with scissors, using clay and playdough, practicing with pencils, textas, etc. Giving the children opportunities to expand on their pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills is also highly valued at Billy Button. Most importantly we educate your child on the value of developing socially and emotionally keeping in mind the mature challenges moving into the Primary School Sector will present.

Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework or the VEYLDF as you will commonly see it referred to as is the curriculum document put forward by the Victorian State Government and ACECQA. The VEYLF is for use in Victoria’s kindergartens and in the early years of school. The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) focuses on early experiences and learning from birth and gives best practice advice to early childhood professionals on ways to support children and families through the first eight years of a child’s life.

The VEYLDF identifies five key Learning and Development Outcomes for children:

  1. Children have a strong sense of identity.
  2. Children are connected with and contribute to, their world.
  3. Children have a strong sense of well-being.
  4. Children are confident and involved learners.
  5. Children are effective communicators.

The Practice Principles are based on contemporary international evidence about the best ways to support children’s learning and development. They are interrelated and designed to inform each other.

  • Reflective practice;
  • Partnerships with families;
  • High expectations for every child;
  • Respectful relationships;
  • Responsive engagement;
  • Equity and diversity;
  • Assessment for learning and development;
  • Integrated teaching and learning approaches;
  • Partnerships with professionals.

We are a dynamic childcare centre. The team brings decades of experience to the Centre. We know who we are and how to achieve the best outcomes for the children in our care. We live and breathe Teaching and Educating children and seeing the families and the child’s first and most significant Teacher. Together with you, we plan for the successful education of your child.