And only four years after devastating floods uprooted the community's kinder and pushed families into makeshift arrangements.
The new facility is set to open its doors in Term 1, 2027, welcoming children into a purpose-built space designed for their future.
Rochester Secondary College acting principal Mitch Bright said the project was in its final stages, with the building due to be handed over next month.
The temporary kinder was established on the school's former soccer field after the 2022 floods, alongside portable classrooms used while Rochester Secondary College's own facilities were unavailable.
Once the new building is handed over, the temporary kinder will be pulled down and the land returned to what it once was ― a soccer pitch for the school community to enjoy.
Mr Bright said the school grounds had been selected as the most viable location from the options presented, although the kinder itself would operate independently of the college.
He said the college was keen to keep its close ties with the early learning service ― having already worked together with kinder children on art projects, reading programs and special community ceremonies.
A separate car park and designated drop-off and pick-up area are being constructed as part of the new facility, providing dedicated access for kindergarten families.
The new building has also wisely been constructed above flood height, in line with relevant requirements, providing better protection than the buildings currently on the college grounds.
The project is another meaningful step forward in Rochester's long road to recovery from the 2022 floods, which forced both the secondary college and kindergarten to make do with temporary facilities for several years.
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