The Omilea Kinder Program
A Kindergarten Equivalent Program for Families Seeking a Different Path
The Omilea Program is New Horizons Battery Point’s kindergarten equivalent program for children in the year before Prep.
Designed for children in their final year of early childhood education, the program provides families with an alternative pathway that combines high-quality education, continuity of care, and a rich inquiry-based curriculum within a full-day learning environment.
The program is grounded in our values of respectful relationships, nature connection, creativity, inquiry, and child-led learning, while intentionally supporting children to develop the skills and dispositions that will support a successful transition to school.
Understanding Kindergarten in Tasmania
Many families are surprised to learn that kindergarten attendance is not compulsory in Tasmania.
The first compulsory year of formal schooling is Prep, which children generally commence in the year they turn six. This means families have a choice about the educational pathway that best suits their child during the year before school.
While many children attend a school-based kindergarten program, others thrive in an early childhood environment where learning continues through play, inquiry, relationships, and meaningful experiences.
The Omelia Program was developed for families seeking this alternative.
What Makes Omelia Different?
The Omelia Program is not school in disguise.
Rather than focusing on formal lessons, worksheets, or academic instruction, children learn through projects, investigations, storytelling, creative experiences, nature-based learning, and genuine participation in community life.
Our educators intentionally create opportunities for children to develop:
- Confidence and independence
- Social and emotional skills
- Communication and language
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Resilience and persistence
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Creativity and self-expression
- Early literacy and numeracy foundations
Children are encouraged to ask questions, pursue their interests, contribute ideas, and participate in long-term inquiries that deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Literacy and Numeracy Through Inquiry
A common question families ask is whether children will be ready for school without a formal kindergarten classroom.
At New Horizon’s, literacy and numeracy are embedded throughout the Omelia Program in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
Literacy learning emerges through storytelling, books, conversations, project work, documentation, mark making, writing opportunities, songs, rhymes, and rich language experiences.
Numeracy is explored through cooking, construction, measurement, pattern making, counting, sorting, data collection, problem-solving, and real-world investigations.
Educators use intentional teaching practices to identify opportunities for learning and thoughtfully extend children’s thinking within the context of their interests and inquiries.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we view literacy and numeracy as tools for communication, expression, and understanding the world rather than isolated subjects taught separately from children’s everyday experiences.
School Readiness Beyond Academics
At New Horizon’s, we believe school readiness is about far more than recognising letters and numbers.
Children experience the most successful transition to school when they have developed confidence, resilience, independence, self-regulation, communication skills, and a positive disposition towards learning.
The Omelia Program supports children to:
- Manage routines and responsibilities
- Communicate their needs and ideas
- Develop friendships and collaborative skills
- Persist when faced with challenges
- Care for themselves and their belongings
- Take increasing responsibility for their learning
These foundations support not only a successful transition into Prep, but also long-term success throughout their educational journey.
The Benefits of Continuity
For many families, one of the greatest strengths of the Omelia Program is continuity.
Children remain connected to familiar educators, established friendships, and a learning environment where they are deeply known and understood.
This sense of belonging provides emotional security during a year of significant growth and development and allows children to focus their energy on learning, exploration, and developing confidence.
Families also benefit from the flexibility of a full-day program, with children able to attend from 8:00am until 5:30pm. Unlike school-based kindergarten programs, there is no need to coordinate separate before-school care, kindergarten attendance, and after-school care arrangements.
How Does Omelia Compare?
| Traditional School Kindergarten | Omelia Program |
|---|---|
| School-based environment | Early childhood environment |
| School hours | Full-day attendance available from 8:00am–5:30pm |
| Before and after school care often required | Integrated into the program |
| Transition into a larger school setting | Continuity of familiar relationships and routines |
| Structured school timetable | Flexible, inquiry-led rhythm |
| Curriculum delivered primarily through planned lessons | Learning emerges through projects, play, investigation, and intentional teaching |
| Separate care and education arrangements | Education and care integrated throughout the day |
Both pathways can support children to successfully transition to Prep. The choice is ultimately about finding the environment that best aligns with your child’s needs, your family’s values, and the type of learning experience you wish to prioritise during this important year.
Is the Omelia Program Right for Your Family?
The Omelia Program may be a good fit if you are looking for:
- An alternative to school-based kindergarten
- A play-based and inquiry-led curriculum
- Strong educator-child relationships
- A full-day program with flexible hours
- Continuity of care and learning
- A nature-rich and relationship-focused environment
- A gentle and responsive transition into formal schooling
We welcome families to contact us to learn more about whether the Omelia Program is the right fit for their child.