Kindergartens

1. Overview 

What is kindergarten?

Kindergarten (also called preschool) is a program for young children delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher.

Kindergarten is an important step for young children and is strongly recommended for all children. Research shows that kindergarten improves children’s health and wellbeing, helps them to develop strong social skills and encourages a love of learning. Children who go to a kindergarten program are more independent and confident and are more likely to make a smooth transition to primary school (Prep).

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

Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES) is a best practice model for local councils to support families and carers to secure a kindergarten place for their child.

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 registration 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 (Prep). 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. Please note that children will only be eligible to complete one year of funded Three-Year-Old kindergarten. Families with children turning three between 1 January and 30 April have a choice about which year their child will start 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.

Children attending a funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten program are not eligible to access a second year of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten.

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten

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.)

Early Start Kindergarten

Early Start Kindergarten (ESK) provides up to 15 hours of kindergarten to eligible three year old children.

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;
• Your child is from a refugee or asylum seeker background

Children must be three years old prior to commencing in an Early Start kindergarten program. Please note that families with children turning three between January 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 commence in the program until they have turned three.

For More information about ESK visit the Departments webpage - Early Start Kindergarten

3. Kindergarten locations

Find a Kindergarten near you

4. Registration timeline & checklist

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 check list

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 Read the 2025 Kindergarten Central Registration Application Guide(PDF, 427KB). The registration guide provides comprehensive information regarding Kindergarten for your child

Step 2 Complete your 2024 online registration (preferred)

Hard copy registrations are available by contacting us Ph 1300 666 535 or emailing [email protected]

Step 3 Submit your registration together with the required documentation before 30 June 2024 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]