Montessori preschool in Hoppers Crossing and Sydenham
Hands-on, child-led Montessori learning inside a warm, family-owned long day care centre. Children choose meaningful activities, build independence and concentration, and learn at their own pace, with full-day hours, home-cooked meals and excursions as part of the day.
What Montessori means at Kids Kingdom
Montessori is an approach to early learning built on a simple idea: children learn best when they are free to choose purposeful, hands-on activities in an environment prepared for them. Our Montessori preschool program brings that approach into the warmth and practicality of long day care. Rooms are calm and organised, with open, child-height shelving so children can find an activity, work with it and put it back themselves. Educators watch closely and guide each child's next step, rather than leading every activity from the front.
- Child-led learning, where children choose their activity and learn at their own pace
- A calm, prepared room with open, child-height shelving
- Practical life skills that build independence and coordination
- Educators who observe and guide, rather than direct every moment
- Delivered within Australia's Early Years Learning Framework
Montessori principles in everyday practice
What the approach looks like for your child on an ordinary day.
Independence
Children are supported to do things for themselves, building the confidence that comes from 'I did it'.
Concentration
Time to stay with an activity they chose helps children develop focus, patience and persistence.
Hands-on learning
Sensory, hands-on materials turn early literacy, numeracy and science ideas into something children can touch and explore.
Practical life
Everyday tasks like pouring, sorting and tidying build fine motor skills, coordination and a sense of responsibility.
Following the child
Educators follow each child's interests and readiness, so learning meets them where they are.
Learning together
Children practise taking turns, sharing space and helping one another in a calm, cooperative room.
Montessori within the Early Years Learning Framework
Every approved early learning service in Australia delivers a program based on the national Early Years Learning Framework, and Victorian services also use the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. Our Montessori approach shapes how children learn day to day, while these frameworks guide the outcomes we plan for, observe and share with families, from a strong sense of identity and wellbeing to confident communication and a love of learning.
- Montessori shapes the learning environment and daily rhythm
- EYLF and Victorian framework outcomes guide planning and progress
- Learning shared with families through Storypark
- A natural pathway into funded kindergarten and school
A Montessori morning at Kids Kingdom
The rhythm of a typical morning in our Montessori preschool program.
Arrive and settle
A calm welcome and handover, then children put away their things and choose where to begin.
Work time
Children choose hands-on activities from the shelves, while educators guide one-on-one and in small groups.
Group time
Stories, songs and conversation bring the room together and build language and listening.
Outdoor play
Climbing, sandpit and active play in the fresh air, balancing focused work with movement.
Lunch and rest
A freshly cooked lunch shared together, then rest or quiet activities for the afternoon ahead.
Montessori learning at both our centres
Our Montessori preschool program runs at Hoppers Crossing and Sydenham. Choose the centre closest to home or work.
Hoppers Crossing
Our newest centre on Derrimut Road, with bright, purpose-built rooms and on-site parking. Close to Tarneit, Truganina, Werribee, Point Cook and Williams Landing.
Explore Hoppers CrossingSydenham
Our original centre on Pecks Road near Watergardens, trusted by local families for more than seven years. Close to Taylors Hill, Hillside, Delahey and Keilor Downs.
Explore SydenhamMontessori preschool FAQs
Is Kids Kingdom a Montessori preschool?
Yes. Both our Hoppers Crossing and Sydenham centres run a Montessori preschool program, delivered within the Early Years Learning Framework that every approved Australian early learning service follows. It runs as part of our long day care day, so families get Montessori learning with full-day hours, meals and excursions as part of the day.
How is a Montessori approach different from regular childcare?
In a Montessori room, children choose from hands-on learning activities set out in a calm, carefully prepared space, and educators guide rather than direct. The focus is on independence, concentration and practical life skills, so children learn by doing, at their own pace.
Does Montessori replace the Early Years Learning Framework?
No. Every approved service in Australia delivers a program based on the national Early Years Learning Framework, and Victorian services also use the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. Our Montessori approach shapes how children learn day to day, while the frameworks guide the outcomes we plan for and share with families.
Can my child do funded kindergarten as well?
Yes. Our Victorian Government funded 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten program runs inside the regular day, led by a qualified kindergarten teacher, so your child can take part in kinder without changing centres.
What ages is the Montessori program for?
Our Montessori preschool program is designed for preschool-aged children. When you visit, the team can talk you through which room suits your child's age and stage.
How much does it cost?
Our fees are all-inclusive daily fees covering meals, nappies, excursions and incursions, and the Child Care Subsidy reduces your out-of-pocket cost. Each centre's current daily fee is on our fees page, and our CCS calculator gives you a personal estimate.
See our Montessori rooms in person.
Book a tour at Hoppers Crossing or Sydenham to see the environment, meet the educators and ask how the program would suit your child.
