Preschool

The national Early Years Learning Framework, ‘Belonging, Being and Becoming’, which was developed as part of the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care is used by centre staff as a basis for curriculum delivery at our centre. This framework has a specific emphasis on play-based learning. When children play, they learn about themselves, other people and the world around them. They develop their ability to communicate, develop and practise physical skills, and they learn to solve a multitude of problems.

When your child can start 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.

Enrolling your child

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 30 hours of preschool a fortnight. We currently offer 2 sessions a week as follows:

  • Green Group – Monday and Tuesday 8:30am-3:15pm and alternate Wednesdays from 8:30am-11:30am
  • Gold Group – Alternate Wednesdays from 8:30am-11:30am and Thursday and Friday from 8:30am-3:15pm

Fees

When to pay

Fees are invoiced over your first 3 terms of preschool.

Payments are due in week 5 of each term.

Please contact us if you need to discuss a payment plan.

How to pay

You can pay by cash at the Centre. Please put the payment in a sealed envelope with your child’s full name, the amount, and the words ‘kindy fees’ on the front. Put the envelope in the green payments box in the foyer.

You can also pay via direct deposit or Qkr. Please see your invoice for details.

What to bring

Your child needs to bring these items each day:

  • kindy bag
  • hat (legionnaire’s or broad brimmed, no neck cord)
  • change of clothes and a waterproof bag
  • water bottle
  • 2 healthy snacks
  • a healthy lunch

Please ensure your child’s name is on all their belongings, including their bag.

Please make sure they are wearing sunscreen when they arrive and we will help them re-apply it throughout the day.

Your child will sometimes get messy and dirty at kindy. Please dress them in clothes that are suitable. Kindy t-shirts, jumpers and hats are available from EduThreads.

For your child’s safety, thongs and slip-on shoes are not appropriate. Please make sure your child arrives wearing suitable shoes such as sandals or sneakers so that they can move safely throughout the space.

Book a tour

To book into our next tour please contact us.