Preschool

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 with us by using the preschool registration of interest form. This form is also available from us.

Try to register your interest by 30 June, but you can do this any time during the year.

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 in term 3. You can accept the offer by filling in and sending back the acceptance slip by the due date.

Before your child starts

Once places have been offered in line with the education department’s enrolment policy, we will contact you about our orientation process. You will be invited to an information session about the preschool program and can ask any questions.  This will also be a great opportunity for you to meet other families.

Times

Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week.

We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.

The parent contribution is $145 per term. If your child attends kindy for a whole day, an additional $5 per day will be charged. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay 4 instalments of $145 each term, plus any additional costs.

We offer other programs that may have an additional cost.

When to pay

We will invoice you during week 8 each term via your child’s notice pocket.

Payments are due before the first day of each term.

Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.

How to pay

Cash or cheque

You can pay cash or cheque at the kindy. Please put the payment in a sealed envelope with your child’s full name on the front. Put the envelope in the black payments box located on the wall near the kitchen.

EFT information

You can pay by direct deposit.

BSB: 105135

Account number: 506230040

Please put your child’s full name as the reference.

Your child needs to bring these items each day:

• bag
• broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
• change of clothes
• drink bottle containing water
• healthy snack
• packed lunch
• roll-on sunscreen
• any medications, accompanied by the medication plan.

Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.

What not to bring

Children should not bring these things:

• food containing nuts (some children have nut allergies that can be dangerous)
• unhealthy food or drink (lollies, chocolate, chips, fizzy drinks)
• toys from home.