Preschool

Preschool

A DECD funded preschool program operates at our Centre that is staffed by registered teachers. As a DECD funded preschool we also have access to additional support services and training to ensure the highest quality of early childhood education for your child.

Preschool runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Your child generally needs to be four years of age before being able to attend their entitlement of 15 hours of DECD funded preschool. In the term prior to this, one (1) session of preschool (referred to as pre-entry) can be negotiated where availability/vacancies exist. If you have a child with special needs, of Aboriginal descent, or has been assessed as gifted, they may be eligible for additional sessions. Please speak with staff to discuss your requirements.

Your child is entitled to access 4 terms (1 year) of government preschool in the year before they start school.

We are introducing a mid-year intake into preschool. This means from 2023 children who turn 4:

• before 1 May are eligible to start preschool at the beginning of the year.
• on 1 May to 31 October can start preschool through the mid-year intake at the beginning of term 3 of that year.

Regardless of whether your child starts at the beginning of the year, or through a mid-year intake they will undertake 4 terms of preschool.

If your child turns 4 after 31 October they can start preschool at the beginning of the following year.

If you are uncertain about the best time for your child to start preschool or feel your child may benefit from starting preschool later, please talk to us about your options.

If your child is Aboriginal or under guardianship (in care) they are eligible for 12 hours of preschool after they turn 3. They will then be eligible for 15 hours per week of preschool in the year before they start school.

Early entry

If you have a child with disability or additional needs, they might be able to start preschool earlier if there are places available. Talk to us if this applies to you. Being given early entry to preschool does not guarantee early entry to school.

You can register your interest to enrol your child in our Kindy program by using the preschool registration of interest form. Please contact us if you would like a paper copy of this form.

Priority will be given to children living in our catchment area. If you don’t live in our catchment area you should indicate at least 2 other preschool options on your form.

If we can give your child a place with us we’ll send you an offer letter. You can accept the offer by filling in and sending back the acceptance slip by the due date.

Preschool session times

Your child can attend preschool for up to 30 hours per fortnight. We currently run sessions Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8.00am – 4.00pm, with children attending a regular 4-day per fortnight pattern.

School Transition

Schools often offer transition programs for children when starting school. You will need to contact the school that your child will be attending for more information.