Preschool and Kindergarten
NextSense Preschool and Kindergarten offer a supportive environment for children with hearing or vision loss.
Learning together
We recognise the importance of your family in your child’s early learning. That’s why our programs are designed to engage with parents and caregivers, so we can work together to help your child.
All children receive specialist education from our expert teaching staff, and by attending preschool together can develop social connections and learn together in an inclusive environment.
Our School and Preschool offers specialised programs which are designed to ensure your child has access to our high-quality curriculum in an inclusive environment.
Your learning journey
About NextSense Preschool
We offer three specialist preschool programs across New South Wales and Victoria.
The NextSense Preschool program provides children aged 3-5 with hearing or vision loss and their families with an early learning community that values and promotes diverse cultures, languages and abilities, to help nurture a lifelong love of learning.
Children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision can enrol at one of our three specialist preschool programs where our expert teachers foster language, emotional and social development to enhance self-esteem and independence. We also offer specialist hearing loss support for children in mainstream preschools.
We offer three specialist preschool programs:
An inclusive early learning program for children aged 3-5 years who are deaf or hard of hearing and their hearing peers.
A bilingual (Auslan and English) program for deaf and hard of hearing children who are being educated with their signing hearing peers. Children can enrol in this program from 3 years of age.
for children with low vision aged 3-5 years.
Children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision can enrol at one of our three specialist preschool programs where our expert teachers foster language, emotional and social development to enhance self-esteem and independence. We also offer specialist hearing loss support for children in mainstream preschools.
Our inclusive model means your child will learn alongside their hearing and sighted peers. All children are unique, and at NextSense Preschool we respect each other’s differences, whatever they may be. We believe that embracing diversity fosters acceptance and understanding. All students receive specialist education from our expert teaching staff. We champion full and active participation in the learning environment. With a focus on social and emotional development, your child will become independent at preschool and confident to take on primary school.
Arrange a personal tour of our state-of-the-art preschool facilities.
About NextSense Kindergarten
Our environment is specifically designed to facilitate an optimal hearing environment which promotes the development of oral language and socialisation of all children.
Our inclusive programs aim to stimulate a child’s development, and build self-confidence and social skills to best prepare them for school.
We offer a caring and focused environment with a play-based learning program. We provide a safe and secure space where children can actively engage with one another and begin to make sense of their world.
Take a virtual tour around our Blackburn Kindergarten.
Our kindergarten is intentionally designed to facilitate optimal hearing and thereby promote the development of oral language and socialisation. We believe that play is the context for all learning and best allows children to express their personality and uniqueness, to demonstrate curiosity and creativity, to develop relationships and concepts, and to develop their sense of well-being.
Our teachers and support staff are highly experienced in meeting the needs of all children, including those with hearing loss. For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, we can adapt their environment to best suit their needs, including by using assistive technology.
Our inclusive model means your child will learn alongside their peers who are deaf or hard of hearing. All children are unique, and at NextSense Kindergarten we respect each other’s differences, whatever they may be.
We believe that embracing diversity fosters acceptance and understanding. All students receive specialist education from our expert teaching staff. We champion full and active participation in the learning environment. With a focus on social and emotional development, your child will become independent at kindergarten and confident to take on primary school.
Lost on your journey? We can help you.
We understand that navigating the world of hearing and vision services can be overwhelming. With over 160 years of experience, we’re committed to providing tailored support to help you or your loved ones achieve your potential.
Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us assist you in finding the right services to meet you or your loved one’s needs.
What people say about us
Learn how NextSense has made a difference through real stories of care, expertise, and empowerment. Read more about their experience here.
Vision news and stories
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Jane Simmons PSM appointed to NextSense Board
New NextSense braille literacy program launched
Australia and China: Celebrating 30 years of collaboration in hearing health
Hearing FAQs
My child does not have hearing or vision loss. Can they still enrol at NextSense Preschool or Kindergarten?
NextSense offers a comprehensive range of services for individuals with hearing or vision loss, including:
- Hearing Services: Cochlear implant services, paediatric audiology, early intervention programs, allied health and speech therapy.
- Vision Services: Vision assessments, early intervention programs, accessibility and inclusion support, allied health and therapy.
- Education: Specialist schools, preschools, and kindergartens tailored for children with hearing or vision loss.
- Connected Services: Remote support for children across Australia who cannot access a local NextSense centre.
- Professional Education: Courses and resources through the NextSense Institute for professionals working in the field.
These services are designed to support children, adults, and families in achieving their goals.
My child does not speak English. Can they still enrol at NextSense Preschool or Kindergarten?
- Children from birth through school age.
- Adults seeking support for hearing or vision loss.
- Families requiring guidance and resources.
Where is NextSense Preschool?
NextSense operates over 20 sites across Australia, including locations in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
For those unable to access a local centre, NextSense provides Connected Services, offering remote support through telepractice.
Where is NextSense Kindergarten?
NextSense delivers Australia’s largest and most comprehensive cochlear implant program, supporting over 400 people annually.
Services include access to leading surgeons, expert health professionals, and the latest technologies, with many services bulk-billed through Medicare.
To learn more or begin the process, contact the NextSense Client Care team.