Children are eligible to attend 4-year-old kindergarten if they turn four before 30th April of that year. Children are eligible to attend 3 year old kindergarten if they turn three before 30th April of that year. Children need to wait until they have turned 3 before they can commence in the three year old program.
We encourage you to speak to the kindergarten teacher regarding when to start your child at kindergarten. We work closely with our local schools to support all children in the progression from 3-year-old kindergarten, 4-year-old kindergarten and then to school.
We provide equal access and participation for all eligible children. It is important to note that a child's readiness for kindergarten, and then school, is very individual. Just because your child meets the cut-off date for eligibility, doesn't necessarily mean they should begin kindergarten then. The teachers and Manager for Community Support and Wellbeing are happy to talk with you about your own family's situation and what might work best for your child.
We encourage parents to plan ahead and start their children at a time when they will thrive rather than cope. This might mean holding your child back a little longer rather than sending them to kinder just because they meet the cut-off age. Government funding contributes to the cost of 4-year-old kindergarten for the year prior to school. While it is sometimes possible to receive funding for a second year, this is becoming increasingly difficult and strict criteria must be met. Please speak to us if you have any doubts.
Amendments to the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 in January 2016 meant that early childhood education and care services cannot confirm enrolment of a child unless the parent/carer has provided documentation that shows the child:
- Is fully vaccinated for their age, or;
- Is on a recognised catch-up schedule if their child has fallen behind with their vaccinations or
- Has a medical reason not to be vaccinated
'Conscientious objection' to vaccination is not an exemption. A child cannot attend the service until acceptable documentation is provided