Kindergartens

Kindergartens

1. Overview

Overview 

What is kindergarten?

Kindergarten is a program for young children delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher.

It is strongly recommended all children go to kindergarten for two years before starting school. Studies show this often leads to better development in language, pre-reading, early number concepts, independence and social skills. Children who go to a kindergarten program are more independent and confident and are more likely to make a smooth transition to primary school.

Participating services in Shire of Campaspe are proud to offer Free Kinder again in 2026. Free Kinder  is for everyone – you don’t need to be a permanent resident or Australian citizen to access it.

What happens at a kindergarten?

A high-quality kindergarten program will offer your child a range of learning experiences and activities that are both stimulating and fun. Your child’s learning and curiosity will be encouraged through experiences and activities, such as exploring the natural world, being exposed to new ideas and solving problems. Your child will be able to:

  • learn to work with others and make friends through group activities and cooperative play
  • express their creativity, for example, through dance, movement and art
  • build their communication skills by listening to and having conversations with the educators and other children
  • develop the skills that they need for reading, writing and mathematics.

Kindergarten central registration

Kindergarten central registration provides a single point for families to apply for multiple kindergarten services within a local government area, helping them secure a place that meets their needs. It ensures that the process is simple, consistent, inclusive and equitable.

Campaspe Shire Council coordinates kindergarten registrations for most centres across the shire. When choosing a kindergarten and planning to register your child in a Three or Four Year-Old program, we encourage you to attend kindergarten open days to get a feel for the different programs available. There are different registration processes for some kindergartens.

2. When to start kinder and is my child eligible? 

When can my child start kindergarten?

Children can attend kindergarten programs in the two years before they start primary school. See the Department’s website for more information about when to start kinder:

Quick guide for parents | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)

Starting age calculator | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)

Eligibility

Three-Year-Old Kindergarten

A child must be at least three years of age by 30 April in the year they are to attend Three-Year-Old kindergarten.

Children turning three between January and April in the year of attendance can apply and be offered a place at kindergarten, however children will not be able to commence in the program until they have turned three.

When enrolling in Three-Year-Old kindergarten, families with children turning three between January and April are encouraged to plan and consider the age they would like their child to start at school (i.e. start prep in the year they turn either 5 or 6). If families are unsure about the best time to start kinder, they can seek advice from a trusted early childhood professional such as local kindergarten teachers or their child’s MCH nurse. 

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (Pre-Prep)

A child must be four years of age or older by 30 April in the year they attend kindergarten. Children are only eligible for one year of funded Four-Year-Old kindergarten in the year before school (unless qualifying for a second year.)

From 2026, Four-Year-Old Kindergarten will gradually transition to Pre-Prep, with select programs across Victoria increasing from a maximum 15 hours each week to between 16-25 hours each week.

Pre-Prep will give Four-Year-Old children greater opportunities to socialise and learn through play. Pre-Prep will be delivered through standalone (sessional) kindergartens and long day care centres.

Both Pre-Prep and Three-Year-Old Kinder are part of the Free Kinder program.

In 2026, eligible Campaspe children can access between 16 -25 hours per week of free kinder at selected Kindergarten services.  Some exemptions apply.

More information and to check eligibility can be found by visiting the Victorian Government website

www.vic.gov.au/preprep

 

3. Kindergarten locations

Find a Kindergarten near you

Colbinabbin

Colbinabbin Preschool 

Recreation Reserve, Mitchell St COLBINABBIN 

Phone 0429 101 511 
Managed by Goulburn Region Preschool Association

 3 and 4 year old kindergarten 

Programs available (subject to change) 

Tue / Wed / Thur 9am to 2:30pm 

2026 Registrations for this kinder are managed by Council through the central registration program

 

 

Echuca

Berrimba Childcare (supporting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Families)                                                    

94 Hare Street, ECHUCA                                            
Phone 5480 6330                                                                                

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change): Gurranyin Tue/Wed 8:30am to 4pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.  

Shine Bright Echuca Anstruther Street

297 Anstruther Street. ECHUCA
Ph 4439 1888
 Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Wala – Tue / Thur 8:30 – 4pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

Shine Bright Echuca East Preschool

115 Stawell Street, ECHUCA 
Phone 5482 2783
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Kangaroo (Gayimarr) – Mon / Wed 8:30am to 4pm 
Koala (Gurburr) A  - Tue / Thur 8:30am to 4pm 
Koala (Gurburr) B – Tue / Fri 8:30am to 4pm
Koala (Gurburr) C  - Thurs / Fri 8:30am to 4pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

Shine Bright Echuca Central Kindergarten 

287 Anstruther Street, ECHUCA 
Phone 5482 2284 
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Pevensey A  - Tue / Thur 8:30am to 4pm 
Pevensey B  - Tue / Fri 8:30am to 4pm 
Pevensey C – Thur / Fri 8:30am to 4pm 
Pyap – Mon / Wed 8:30am to 4pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

Shine Bright Echuca South Community Preschool              

232 High Street, ECHUCA
Phone 5482 1740                                                                                           
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Batja A – Tue / Thur 8:45am to 4:15pm
Batja B – Tue / Fri 8:45am to 4:15pm 
Batja C – Thur /  Fri 8:45am to 4:15pm
Dungala – Mon / Wed 8:30am to 4pm
Girrawa – Mon / Wed 8:45am to 4:15pm
Yakoa A – Tue / Thu 8:30am to 4pm
Yakoa B – Tue / Fri 8:30am to 4pm
Yakoa C – Thur / Fri 8:30am to 4pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.  

Echuca Goodstart Early Learning

Northern Highway, ECHUCA 
Phone 5482 1088 Four year old kindergarten only

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed directly with the centre.

Journey Early Learning Echuca

255 Ogilvie Avenue, ECHUCA 
Phone 5480 1974

Four year old kindergarten only Enrolments managed by Journey Early Learning

Brigid's Light Early Learning Centre Echuca

88 Wilkinson Drive, ECHUCA 

Phone 4439 1400 

(managed by Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education and Care Ltd) 

3 and 4 year old Kindergarten 

Programs available (subject to change) 

3YO Thornbills – Mon / Wed 8:30 – 4pm 

4YO Eagles – Mon / Wed 8:30 – 4pm 

4YO Magpies – Tues / Thur 8:30 to 4pm 

2026 Registrations for this kinder are managed by Council through the central registration program

 

Girgarre

Shine Bright Girgarre Kindergarten 

School Road, GIRGARRE 
Phone 5854 6368 
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Tue / Wed / Thur 9am – 2pm 

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program. 

Gunbower

Shine Bright Gunbower Kindergarten                                            

1 Wilson Street, GUNBOWER 
Phone 5487 1382 .
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Mon / Tue / Wed 9am – 2pm 

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program. 

Kyabram

Shine Bright Kyabram (Fenaughty St) Kindergarten

148 Fenaughty Street, KYABRAM 
Phone 5852 1631 
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Possums – Mon / Thur & every 2nd Wed 9am to 3pm 
Puggles – Tue / Fri  & every 2nd Wed 9am to 3pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

Shine Bright Kyabram (Unwin St) Kindergarten 

Unwin Street, KYABRAM 
Phone 5852 2148 
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Koalas – Mon / Thur & every 2nd Wed 9am to 3pm 

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

KCLC Early Learning 

21-25 Lake Road, KYABRAM 
Phone 5852 0000 
Managed by Kyabram Community & Learning Centre, registrations managed by KCLC

Shine Bright Kyabram P-12 Kindergarten

Haslem Street, KYABRAM 
Phone 5892 2070

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Puggles – Tue / Fri & every 2nd Wed 9am to 3pm 

Managed by ShineBright EYM, Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration.

Lockington

Shine Bright Lockington Kindergarten 

8 Burns Street, LOCKINGTON 
Phone 5486 2585 
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Turtles – Mon / Thur & every 2nd Wed 8:45am to 2:45pm 
Emus – Tues / Fri & every 2nd Wed 8:45am to 2:45pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

Rochester

Shine Bright Rochester Kindergarten 

Edward Street, ROCHESTER 
Phone 5484 1532 
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Echidnas – Mon / Wed 8:30am to 4pm 
Turtles – Tue / Thur / Fri 9am to 2pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

Rushworth

Rushworth Kindergarten & Childcare Centre 

32 Esmonde Street, RUSHWORTH 
Phone 5856 1591 
Managed by Incorporated Committee of Management

3 and 4 year old kindergarten 

Programs available (subject to change) 

Tue / Wed / Thur 9-2pm 

2026 Registrations for this kinder are managed by Council through the central registration program

 

Stanhope

Shine Bright Stanhope & District Kindergarten 

1 Godley Place, STANHOPE 
Phone 5857 2297 
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Wed / Thur / Fri 9am to 2pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

Tongala

Shine Bright Tongala Kindergarten 

8 Nihill Street, TONGALA 
Phone 5859 0268 
Managed by Shine Bright EYM

3 and 4 year old kindergarten

Programs available (subject to change)
Emus – Tue / Thur 8:30am to 4pm
Kangaroos – Mon / Wed / Fri 9am to 2pm

Registrations for this kindergarten are managed by Council, through the central registration program.

Country Kidz Preschool

715 Henderson Road TONGALA
Phone: 5859 0194

Enrolments managed by Country Kidz

 

4. Registration timeline & checklist

1 May Applications open
30 June Kindergarten Central Registration applications close for first-round offers
Mid July Eligible first-round offers made (via email where provided, otherwise a letter in the mail)
End of July Eligible second-round offers made
Mid August Third and final round offers sent if vacancies still available
September onwards Council accepts registrations throughout the year. Places will be allocated as applications are received (if vacancies exist).

If you do not submit your kindergarten application prior to 30 June your application will be deemed as late. You will not be eligible for first-round offers.

Application checklist

The following information is required with your application:

  • A copy of your child's immunisation history certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register. An immunisation history statement can be downloaded from your MyGov Account, by calling the Australian Immunisation Register 1800 653 809 or by visiting your local Medicare office. Further information about the No Jab, No Play legislation is available here.
  • A copy of your concession card (if applicable)
  • You will also be asked to provide the education and occupation details of each parent/carer listed on your child’s registration application. Please see here(PDF, 381KB) for more details of the occupations within each group. 

5. How to register

Step 1 - Please read:

2025 Kindergarten Central Registration Application Guide(PDF, 442KB); or

2026 Kindergarten Central Registration Application Guide(PDF, 745KB).

The registration guide provides comprehensive information regarding kindergarten for your child.

Step 2 - Complete your online registration (preferred).

Registrations for 2026 are now open.

Hardcopy registrations are available by contacting us on 1300 666 535 or emailing [email protected]

Online registration

Step 3 - Submit your registration together with the required documentation before 30 June 2025 to ensure your registration is considered for first round offers. Registrations cannot be processed until all information and supporting documentation is received.

Please note that Council continues to take registrations throughout the year. From September, offers will be made if vacancies exist.

Once your registration is submitted, a confirmation email will be provided. If you do not receive confirmation when you submit your registration, please contact Council.

For any kindergarten central registration enquiries or for support with your application, please contact the Central Registration team on 1300 666 535 or email [email protected]

 

 

Back to top