Healthy Mind & Body
SunSmart Early Childhood Service Program
Glen Iris Childcare and Kindergarten has been proudly recognised as a SunSmart service by SunSmart Victoria for the past 10 years, consistently meeting all the guidelines and recommendations to help reduce skin cancer risk.
The SunSmart Early Childhood Program, introduced by Cancer Council Victoria in 1996, focuses on teaching children sensible sun protection habits from an early age. By implementing sun protection measures, both schools and early childhood services play a crucial role in reducing skin cancer risk.
Our current SunSmart certification is valid until January 2027, and we remain committed to ensuring that our environment supports the health and safety of all children and educators.
Kelly Sports Program
At Glen Iris Childcare and Kindergarten, the Kinder children are fortunate to have the Kelly Sports program visit on a fortnightly basis.
Kelly Sports is a popular multi-sports incursion that focuses on teaching children valuable gross motor skills. Their goal is to help children get active, develop their skills and confidence, and foster a lifelong love of sports. Through fun, engaging activities, Kelly Sports teaches fundamental movement skills that are key to a child’s development. These skills not only prepare children for sports but also contribute to building a foundation for a healthy, active life.
These Kelly Sports sessions are an exciting part of our Kindergarten program, and are included as part of the children's learning experience.
Happy Feet Fitness Program
At Glen Iris Childcare and Kindergarten, we are excited to host the Happy Feet Fitness program once a week.
This program is an interactive, themed adventure class that is packed with original music, costumes, props, magic, singing, dancing, games, and plenty of learning. It’s designed to engage children in a fun and exciting way while providing opportunities to connect with the community.
Happy Feet Fitness helps children improve their wellbeing, confidence, communication skills, and health and fitness. These engaging classes are an integral part of our Kindergarten program, promoting both physical and emotional development in a joyful, active environment.
Music and movement Program
At Glen Iris Childcare and Kindergarten, we incorporate music and movement into our programs every day, fostering creativity and physical activity. In addition to regular music sessions, we celebrate special event days that encourage and promote music and movement for the children.
Each room is equipped with a variety of musical instruments that are used frequently, allowing children to explore sound and rhythm. We also make use of iPads and speakers to play music, host dance parties, and follow along with dance and movement routines.
Once a year, the Babies and Toddlers rooms enjoy a special music and puppet show incursion, which is a huge hit with the younger children and offers them a chance to engage in a fun, interactive experience.
We also celebrate various Calendar of Event days that support and encourage our music and movement program, including Big Blue Bash, our Centre Birthday Party, World Music Day, various Cultural Days, and International Dance Day—just to name a few! For us, any chance to sing and dance is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the children and support their development in a joyful way.
Yoga and Meditation Program
At Glen Iris Childcare and Kindergarten, yoga plays an important role in helping children learn to slow down, stretch, and breathe. Yoga supports the development of self-regulation, balance, movement, and listening skills—essential components of a child’s emotional and physical growth.
Our Educators are passionate about teaching children yoga breathing techniques and movement as part of their daily routine. Through guided sessions, children watch and listen as Educators lead them through a variety of yoga poses while also explaining breathing exercises. This practice not only enhances their focus and calmness, but also encourages mindful awareness of their bodies.
We consider yoga to be a vital part of the program, and we incorporate it regularly into the children’s daily activities to foster their emotional wellbeing and physical development.