Preschool at Buds & Bees Early Learning Centre, Belconnen
Penguins is our preschool room for children from three to six, with our School Readiness Program. Buds & Bees is an approved partner in the ACT Government's three-year-old preschool program: eligible families can receive up to 300 hours of preschool a year, on Mondays, delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher.
Penguins · 3 – 6 years
Penguins gives children a stimulating, challenging program that helps them get ready for school. Children in Penguins take part in our School Readiness Program, and eligible families receive up to 300 hours of ACT Government preschool a year for their three-year-old, on Mondays, delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher.
- Small-group learning on children's interests, with early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving woven through play
- Social and emotional skills: taking turns, solving problems and making friends
- Self-help skills: serving meals, packing bags and caring for belongings
- Outdoor play with open-ended, physically active experiences
How the 300 preschool hours work →
Going to public preschool too?
Many Canberra four-year-olds attend preschool at an ACT public school, for up to 15 hours a week. If your child does, talk to us about which days at Buds & Bees fit around it. ACT four-year-old preschool
300 hours of preschool for eligible families
Buds & Bees is an approved partner in the ACT Government's three-year-old preschool program. Eligible families can receive up to 300 hours of preschool a year for their three-year-old. At Buds & Bees it runs on Mondays, 7.5 hours a week, delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher.
- Book a Monday. The program runs on Mondays, so your child needs to be enrolled on a Monday.
- It comes after CCS. The ACT Government pays the gap fee for these hours after the Child Care Subsidy is applied, so it never reduces your CCS.
- One service only. Your child can use the hours at one service, and you sign a consent form nominating Buds & Bees. Ask us for the program forms.
- Extra days or hours are charged at our usual daily fee, less any CCS.
- Hours don't carry over. Unused hours can't be moved to the next year.
Is my child eligible?
Generally, your child is eligible if they:
- turn three on or before 30 April in the year they start
- live in the ACT
- haven't used the program in an earlier year, and aren't in four-year-old preschool
Children on some temporary visas aren't eligible. Ask us and we'll check your child's eligibility with you.
Four-year-olds
In the year before school, Canberra children can attend preschool at an ACT public school for up to 15 hours a week. Talk to us about combining it with days at Buds & Bees. ACT four-year-old preschool
Ready, confident and excited for school
Our School Readiness Program in Penguins builds the independence, communication and social skills that help children settle at school.
- Early literacy and numeracy through stories, games, building and play
- Managing belongings, routines and self-care
- Educators share your child's learning and development with you as they prepare for school
Stay connected with Storypark
Every family gets access to Storypark, where you can see:
- daily snapshots of your child's day
- individual learning observations and summative assessments
- stories from cultural celebrations and community events
- the weekly menu and centre news
You can message your child's room and comment on stories, and invite other family members to view them.
We'd love to meet your family
Book a tour to see the rooms, meet our educators and talk about your child.