Kindergartens

1. Overview 

Council coordinates kindergarten registration for most centres across the shire. When choosing a kindergarten and planning to register your child in a 3 or 4 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. Is my child eligible for 2024 kindergarten?

The following table provides a general guide for registration in either a 3 year old kindergarten or 4 year old kindergarten program. Children are only eligible for one year of funded three year old and one year of funded four year old Kindergarten before they start school.

Three Year Old Kinder

A child must be a least 3 years old by 30/04/2024 to attend a 3 year old kindergarten program in 2024. Please note your child cannot start in a kindergarten program until they have turned three. 

Families with children turning three between February and April in the year of attendance can submit an application and be offered a place at kindergarten, however children will not be able to start in the program until they have turned three.

Four Year Old Kinder

A child must be at least 4 years old by 30/04/2024 to attend a 4 year old kindergarten program in 2024.

Early Start Kindergarten (eligibility criteria apply)

Early Start Kindergarten provides up to 15 hours a week kindergarten to eligible three year old children. This may require your child to be placed in a program for four year olds or a mixed age group.

Your child is eligible for Early Start Kindergarten if they are:

• At least three by 30 April in the year they will be attending a kindergarten program, and
• Your child is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander OR
• Your family has had contact with Child Protection (or been referred by them to Child FIRST) OR
• Your child is from a refugee or asylum seeker background.

More information about Early Start Kindergarten is available here.

3. Kindergarten locations

4. Registration options & fees

Two options are available. Please read carefully to select the registration appropriate for your child.

Option 1: Concession card holder (no application fee applies) You will be required to upload a copy of your concession card as proof

Option 2: $28 application fee applies. Please have your Credit Card ready 

5. Registration timeline

If you do not submit your kindergarten application prior to 16 July your application will be deemed as late. You will not be eligible for first round offers. 

Application check list

The following documents are required with your application:

• 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.
• Child’s birth certificate
• Proof of residence
• Concession card (if applicable)

Further information about the No Jab, No Play legislation is available here.

6. How to register and fees

Step 1  Read the Kindergarten Central Registration Guide 2024(PDF, 301KB).

Step 2  Complete your application online

Option 1 - Application form (concession card holders only)

Option 2 - Application form ($28 registration fee applies) 

OR

Hard copy applications can be download here(PDF, 329KB)(PDF, 503KB). Hard copy applications can be emailed to [email protected]

Step 3  Submit your application together with the required documentation before 16 July 2023 to ensure your application is considered for first round offers.  Applications 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 application is received, a confirmation email will be provided. If you do not receive confirmation within 10 days of your application, please contact Council on 1300 666 535 or [email protected] 

If you would like assistance completing a registration application, Council’s library staff are available, call 1300 666 535 or email us at [email protected] . Libraries can provide assistance and access to the online.