4 Year Old Kindergarten Enrolment Kit 2021 - Warrnambool ...
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4 Year Old Kindergarten Enrolment Kit 2021
Kindergarten 2021
Important dates
Kindergarten Virtual Information Session:
Wednesday 17th June 2020
Virtual session Warrnambool City Council Website & Warrnambool
City Council Children’s & Family Services Facebook Page
Kindergarten Virtual Tour:
Monday 22nd June 2020
Virtual session Warrnambool City Council Website & Warrnambool
City Council Children’s & Family Services Facebook Page
Enrolment Applications Open:
Monday 22 June 2020
Enrolment Applications Close:
Friday 17 July 2020
First Round Offers:
August 2020
Second Round Offers:
September 2020
Kindergarten Fact Sheet NO.1
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten
Kindergarten, other factors may impact on his/her
What is Kindergarten? readiness for this experience.
Four-year-old kindergarten is a one year education
If you are concerned about whether your child is ready,
program for children, the year before they start school.
or need more information about when the best time is for
Warrnambool City Council runs 12 kindergartens.
your child to go to Kindergarten, you can view a virtual
information session at www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au.
Quality Contact City Assist on 5559 4800 for further details.
All Warrnambool City Council kindergartens have
achieved an exceeding rating in relation to the National The Department of Education and Training website also provides
Quality standards, a comprehensive set of measures information on starting kindergarten (see www.education.vic.gov.au/
which guide families in identifying quality approved kindergarten)
education and child care services across the country.
How do I apply to enrol for four year old
Sessions for Kindergarten in 2021 Kindergarten?
Children will attend kindergarten for 15 hours per week All applications for four year old kindergarten are to be
(three 5 hour sessions or two 7.5 hour sessions). lodged via the on-line portal.
www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/4-year-old-kindergarten.
Kindergarten at Warrnambool City Council
Simply register via the portal.Once you confirm the
Centre Based Childcare registration email, you will be required to answer a series
A 15 hour kindergarten program is offered (three 5 hour
of questions presented over several tabs and upload
sessions) at the three WCC Childcare Centres.
supporting documentation.
Florence Collins: Mon-Fri, 7.30am – 6.00pm
Sherwood Park: Mon-Fri, 8.00am – 6.00pm
Supporting documentation you will need includes:
Matron Swinton: Mon-Fri, 8.00am – 6.00pm
These services are open Monday to Friday throughout
1. Child’s birth certificate OR Statutory Declaration in
the year (excluding public holidays and Christmas
the event that you do not have a birth certificate OR
closure) with childcare offered either side of the
Passport.
kindergarten hours.
2. Proof of Warrnambool residency in the form of Rates
Kindergarten children may be able to access additional
Notice OR Electricity or Gas bill issued in the last 3
childcare on days they aren’t attending for kindergarten.
months OR Relevant building permit OR Tenancy
Bookings encompass the entire calendar year, therefore
Agreement if applicable.
fees are charged during term breaks. Fees will vary for
3. Court Orders if applicable.
this service.
4. Concession Card if applicable.
5. Letter from appropriate professional or support
How are Kinder places allocated? agency verifying your child is assessed as having
The priority of access criteria is used to allocate kinder special needs, a disability or developmental delay if
places. See Fact Sheet 2 for further details. applicable.
6. Medical documentation displaying a professional
How old does my child need to be to attend diagnosis for your child if applicable.
7. Letter from a case manager or support agency
four (4) year old kindergarten? verifying how your child meets high priority criteria if
Your child needs to be four years old by 30 April in the applicable.
year they attend kindergarten. If your child turns 6 in the
year they attend Kindergarten please refer to information Supporting documentation can be in virtually any format
sheet. such as PDF, doc, docX or JPEG but must be fully
legible.
Is my child ready for Kindergarten?
Each child develops at his/her own rate, and although
your child’s age may make him/her eligible to start
The privacy and security of your data in this application
is protected by SSL and 256 Bit encryption Geotrust
Certificate; the same level of security we utilise for our online
payment of services.
You will receive an SMS message confirming that Council
has received your application within 14 days. If you do
not receive confirmation within this time please contact the
Council on 5559 4800.
Enrolment applications received after the first round offer
closing date will be treated as a second round application.
Second round applications will be notified of available
vacancies from September 2020.
How do I get a Kindergarten Enrolment Kit?
Enrolment Kits are available from Council’s website
www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/kinder,
How do we notify of any changes to our details?
Complete the Kindergarten Information Update Form
available from City Assist or online.
What fees are charged for Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is funded by the State and Federal
Government and user fees. Council sets the user fees
payable by families.
User fees for 2021 are still to be determined. Once the
contribution of both State and Federal funding is confirmed,
2021 fees will be set.
Centre Based Childcare Kindergarten
Payment is required for all booked Kindergarten/After Kinder
Care and Long Day Care fees (including public holidays
and school holidays) regardless of utilisation. Three weeks
notification is required when cancelling an enrolment. For a
fee estimate please contact 5559 4640. Contact us
A statement of fees will be issued fortnightly to parents Warrnambool City Assist
(CBCC kindergarten and AKC only). Families may be Ph: 5559 4800
eligible for Child Care Subsidy and other Government Postal Address - PO BOX 198 Warrnambool 3280
Assistance if they meet the set criteria. (Please contact the Service Centre – 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool
Family Assistance Office on 136150 to find out your eligibility www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/kinder
for CCS and other funding.)
An enrolment kit, including a range of Kindergarten
Fact Sheets, are available to read, download and
Are there any concessions? print from our website.
Some families will receive a fee subsidy resulting in free
or low cost kindergarten. Eligible families will receive
For a copy of the complete Kindergarten Enrolment
support from the State Government to reduce the cost of
Policy for Four Year Old Kindergarten please contact
kindergarten.
City Assist.
Staffing at Kindergartens Department of Education and Training
WCC cannot guarantee which service individual staff South Western Victorian Region
members will be working at. Staffing is determined at the Ph: 1300 333 232
end of the year dependent on enrolment numbers and staff Email: swvr@edumail.vic.gov.au
availability. All staff are tertiary qualified. Office: 99 Fairy Street Warrnambool, Victoria 3280
Postal Address: PO Box 1127,
Warrnambool 3280
Kindergarten Fact Sheet NO.2
How are Kindergarten places allocated?
Warrnambool City Council (WCC) runs a centralised than there are places available, each application will be
application process for 4 year old kindergarten programs given a score based on the priority of access criteria
at 12 kindergartens managed by Council (see Fact Sheet below:
No.4 for a list of WCC Kindergartens). Children will be allocated to the places available in each
The centralised enrolment process simplifies the group according to the number of points allocated to
application process for both the Kindergartens and for their application - with the highest scoring applications
families and offers a fair and equitable allocation system. placed first and so on.
If there are not enough remaining places for children with
an equal number of points, the distance between the
How many children can go to each kindergarten and the children’s homes will be measured.
Kindergarten group? The child/ren living closest to the kindergarten will
The number able to be enrolled per group depends receive the remaining places.
on the size of the kindergarten room and playground
facilities available, and is adjusted to ensure all
children have equal access to a quality program at all
Why do I have to indicate preferences for
kindergartens across Warrnambool. every kinder program?
Any children who do not get into their first kindergarten
group preference will then be assessed for their second
What happens if more children apply to preference and so on, until they are placed. It is
attend a particular Kindergarten than there therefore essential to make sure you list ALL preferences
are places? from 1-16, with 1 being your most preferred
As there are sometimes more families applying for a group and 16 being your least preferred group.
kindergarten group than there are places available,
Council has “priority of access” criteria for the allocation What if parents/carers indicate that their
of these places.
child meets the priority of access criteria just
How were the criteria determined? to gain an advantage?
Supporting documents which show that the applicant
The criteria were developed based on feedback from the
meets any priority of access criteria must be submitted
community and are in accordance with Municipal
with the application. Without proof, no points will be
Association of Victoria guidelines and the Department of
attributed to the application.
Education and Training Priority of Access.
What happens if I apply late?
How does this work? Any applications received after the first round offer
When applications for enrolment are received, places closing date will be offered a second round place from
are reserved for children eligible for a second year of the vacancies remaining after those who applied by the
funded kindergarten. due date have been enrolled. The priority of access
The available places are then allocated. If more children criteria will be used to determine who is placed first
are seeking a place in a particular kindergarten group in the remaining vacancies.
Priority of access criteria* Points
Children identified as high priority children - please refer to information on Fact Sheet 3 4
Children who have had a sibling attend the preferred kindergarten 1
Children who have previously attended a 4 year old or Early Start kindergarten program 1
or childcare program at the preferred kindergarten
Children of WCC ratepayers or who are living within the City of Warrnambool 1
What if I don’t get the kindergarten group I wanted? Kyle is the eldest child and lives in Koroit and his Dad
On average, 8 out of 10 children receive their first wants him to go to East Kinder because that’s where he
preference after first round offers, and after second went when he was a child.
round offers 9 out of 10 children receive their first Total score 0
preference.
When first round offers are made, if you reject an offer, or Scarlett lives in Nullawarre, but her mum works in
fail to respond to the offer in the timeframe set out in the Warrnambool. Her brother attended East Kindergarten last
letter of offer, you will be considered to have declined the year and that is the preferred Kindergarten for Scarlett.
placement. If you wish to remain on a waiting list for the Scarlett gets 1 point for a sibling having attended the
preferred kinder group you will be contacted if a place preferred service.
becomes available at your preferred kindergarten. All Total score 1.
waiting list placements will be finalised by the end of
term 1, 2021. Levi lives in Warrnambool, having recently arrived in
Australia with his family as refugees. They live 200 metres
Please note you cannot go on a waiting list if you from East Kindergarten and have formed a friendship
have received your first or second preference. with their neighbours who are applying for a place at
After second round offers are made, in exceptional East Kindergarten for their child. Levi gets 4 points for
circumstances a request for review can be submitted to being identified as high priority and 1 point for being a
the Manager Children’s and Family Services on the form Warrnambool resident.
available on the website. Total score 5.
All requests for review will be accepted and responded So, based on the points allocated to their application, the
to in a cooperative and reasonable manner, which seeks children would be placed in the following priority order:
a satisfactory resolution for all parties. Please note - no
requests for review will be accepted before second Tyson: 5 points Sam: 1 point
round offers are made. Levi: 5 points Scarlett:1 point
Georgia: 2 points Kyle: 0 points
The following case study shows how the priority of
access criteria works... The children are allocated to the available places, with
More applicants have been received for East Warrnambool the highest score placed first (e.g. Tyson and Levi), then
Kindergarten’s Group than there are places available. next highest (e.g. Georgia) and so on.
Therefore, the priority of access criteria are used and After allocating places to Tyson, Levi and Georgia there
scores are calculated for each application for that group. A is only one place left in the group and two applications
sample of the applicants follows: having scored 1 point. The two applications are reviewed
to determine if the kinder is the closest facility to the
Georgia lives in east Warrnambool and the closest child’s home. In this case, Sam lives closest to East
Kindergarten to her is East Warrnambool. Her big Kindergarten and so attending this Kinder would provide
sister Madeline attended East Kinder two years ago. In the opportunity for his family to walk or ride to and from
accordance with the priority of access criteria she gets 1 Kindergarten. As a result Sam is allocated the remaining
point for being a resident of Warrnambool and 1 point as place in East Kindergarten’s Group.
her sister has previously attended. Scarlett and Kyles’ applications are then assessed for
Total score 2. their second kindergarten group of choice. These are
Tyson has a tough time in life. He and his mum live in both at a different kindergarten (Central Kindergarten),
Warrnambool and have a family services worker helping After first preferences, there are still enough places in
them. Whilst Tyson’s big sister went to South as they used the Central Kindergarten group for all children whose
to live nearby, Tyson’s family support worker has helped second preference was that group. Kyle and Scarlett are
them to apply to East Kinder because it’s their closest both offered a place at Central Kindergarten.
Kinder and they can walk there as they have no car. Tyson
gets 4 points for being identified as high priority and 1 point Contact us
because he lives in Warrnambool. Warrnambool City Assist
Total score 5.
Ph: 5559 4800
Sam’s parents are new to town and they don’t know
Postal Address - PO BOX 198 Warrnambool 3280
anyone yet. They think it is important he goes to the
Service Centre – 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool
nearest Kindergarten to their home because there will be a
www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/kinder
greater likelihood that there will be children attending that
Kindergarten that will also go to the local primary school. An enrolment kit, including a range of kinder fact sheets,
Sam’s application gets 1 point for being a resident of are available to read, download and print from our
Warrnambool. website.
Total score 1
Kindergarten Fact Sheet NO.3
Priority of Access Criteria - Definitions & supporting documents
As there are sometimes more families applying for a kindergarten group than there are places available, Council has
“priority of access” criteria for the allocation of these places. Please refer to “Fact Sheet #2 – How are kindergarten
places allocated” for more information about the process.
This fact sheet provides definitions regarding the access criteria and sets out the supporting documents
which must be provided as proof of eligibility.
1. What is the ‘priority of access’ criteria? You may be asked to provide relevant additional
If more children are seeking a place in a particular evidence later on.
kindergarten group than there are places available, each
application will be given a score based on the priority of 3.2 Residents/Ratepayers of the City of Warrnambool
access criteria below. For families who live within the City of Warrnambool or
pay rates to Warrnambool City Council, the enrolment
2. Definition of High Priority Children, see table on application must be submitted with proof to ensure points
back. are applied. Proof of residency or ratepaying can be
provided in any of the following ways:
• A copy of a utility bill issued within the last three
3. What documents do I need to provide to support months (e.g. electricity, gas, telephone)
my child’s application? • A copy of a rates notices
If your child is eligible for any points under the priority • A copy of a relevant building permit if you are
of access criteria, the following documents must be currently building a residence in Warrnambool
provided to ensure points are attributed. • A copy of a tenancy agreement
3.1 High Priority Children 3.3 Children who have had a sibling attend the
Families with children in Out of Home Care, families with preferred kindergarten.
children assessed as having special needs, a disability Please indicate the name of the sibling and the year
and/or developmental delay, children in families which enrolled in the place provided on the application - this
include a disabled person, children in families reliant on will be checked against Council’s records.
income support, children in socially and geographically
isolated families. 3.4 Children who have previously attended a 4 year
Please: old or Early Start Kindergarten program or a childcare
• Provide a letter from an appropriate support agency program at the preferred kindergarten.
or professional verifying your child is assessed Please indicate the program attended in the place
as having special needs, a disability and/or a provided on the application – this will be checked against
developmental delay relevant to this criteria (see Council’s records.
overleaf for further details)
• Provide a letter from a case manager/supporting 4. I’m still not sure about this?
organisation verifying how your child meets any other If you are unsure about the criteria please talk to the City
category of this criteria, or Assist staff at Council’s Civic Centre. Phone 5559 4800.
• Contact WCC to discuss this further
Priority of access criteria Points
Children identified as high priority 4
Children who have had a sibling attend the preferred kindergarten 1
Children who have previously attended a 4 year old or Early Start Kindergarten kinder 1
program or childcare program at the preferred kindergarten
Children who are living within the City of Warrnambool or whose parents are WCC 1
ratepayers
High priority children Example
Children at risk of abuse or The child is:
neglect, including children in • attending Early Start Kindergarten, or is
Out-of-Home Care • referred by:
• Child Protection
• Child and family services (family services referral and
support team, Child FIRST/integrated family services/
Services Connect case worker)
• Maternal and Child Health nurse, or
• Out-of-Home Care provider.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait • Child identified by parent/carer on application as being
Islander children Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Asylum seeker and refugee • An appropriate visa identifies the child and/or parents as a
children refugee or asylum seeker.
Children eligible for the • A child or parent holds a Commonwealth Health Care Card,
Kindergarten Fee Subsidy Pensioner Concession Card, Veteran’s Affairs Gold or White
Card, Refugee or Asylum seeker visa or bridging visa (200-
204, 786 or 566)
• Multiple birth children (triplets, quadruplets), or
• Child identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Children with additional needs, The child:
defined as children who: • is assessed as having delays in two or more areas and is
declared eligible for a second funded year of kindergarten
• require additional assistance in • holds a Child Disability Health Care Card
order to fully participate in the • has previously been approved for Kindergarten Inclusion
kindergarten program Support Package, or referred by:
• require a combination of services • the National Disability Insurance Scheme
which are individually planned • Early Childhood Intervention Service
• have an identified specific • Preschool Field Officer, or
disability or developmental delay • Maternal and Child Health nurse.
For more information please contact:
City Assist
Ph: 5559 4800
Postal Address – PO BOX 198 Warrnambool 3280
Service Centre – 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool
A full range of kinder fact sheets are available to read, download and print from our website
Kindergarten Fact Sheet NO.4
Kindergartens managed by Warrnambool City Council
Map Ref. Kindergarten
1 Allansford Kindergarten
82 Ziegler Parade, Allansford - Phone: 5559 4585
2 Beamish Street Kindergarten
23 Beamish Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4530
3 Central Kindergarten
2 Manifold Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4560
4
City Kindergarten
600 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4753
Dennington Kindergarten
5 12-16 The Esplanade, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4575
6 East Warrnambool Kindergarten
22E-26E Lava Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4570
7 Florence Collins Kindergarten
27-47 Kepler Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4640
8
Lions-Hopkins Kindergarten
31 Gladstone Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4580
Mahogany Kindergarten
9 35 Hoddle Street, Warrnambool - Phone 5559 4800
Located on the West Warrnambool Primary School Site.
10
South Warrnambool Kindergarten
24 Stanley Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4520
11 Matron Swinton
13-15 Lipook Court, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4650
12 Sherwood Park
Deakin University, Princes Hwy, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4595
Kindergarten Enrolment Kits available online
Locations of Kinders
5
11
9 2
10
7
4 3
6
8
1
12Kindergarten Fact sheet NO.5
What happens in our Kindergartens?
Play Based Learning Through active engagement, your child will learn how to
Our kindergartens offer programs that promote learning grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal, delicious
through active engagement and play. Active play allows food throughout their time at kindergarten. Pleasurable
children to test and develop a wide range of skills. It food education is about children experiencing the joy of
promotes significant health and wellbeing benefits. In digging in the garden, picking fresh veggies, smelling and
our high quality Early Childhood services, your child tasting the food they prepare, and sharing the experience
will experience active indoor and outdoor play, music, with their friends, educators and family.
movement and creative expression, positive adult-child
interactions and use their whole body and mind to be Healthy Achievement Program
absorbed in learning. The aim of this program is to improve the health and
wellbeing of staff, children and families by embedding
One of the greatest benefits of play is to assist with the experiences that support and encourage lifelong healthy
development of social competence. Children can build habits. This is done through the service policies and
relationships, learn to resolve conflicts, negotiate and procedures, professional development and support for
regulate their behaviours. In play, children usually have staff, information for families and actively engaging children,
increased feelings of success and optimism as they act as families and staff in experiences that establish healthy
their own agents and make their own choices. Playing is a habits for a lifetime of good health.
known stress release; it is often linked to child wellbeing. The program addresses 6 areas of health priority;
The dispositions for learning, such as curiosity, openness, • Healthy Eating and Oral Health – a healthy diet and
optimism, resilience, concentration, and creativity are good oral health are integral to children’s growth and
developed in play. Playing is linked to the development of development.
resilience and the beginnings of empathy as children begin • Mental Health and Wellbeing – supporting
to understand other points of view. children’s mental health and helping them to develop
resilience is vital to their overall wellbeing.
All Warrnambool City Council kindergartens have achieved • Physical Activity – Engaging children in active play
an exceeding rating in relation to the National Quality provides a range of physical, emotional and social
standards, a comprehensive set of measures which guide benefits as well as being a natural way children learn.
families in identifying quality approved education and child • Safe Environments – an inclusive, empowering and
care services across the country. healthy environment helps children develop to their
full potential.
• Sun Protection – a balanced approach to UV
exposure helps boost vitamin D levels, while minimising
skin and eye damage and the risk of skin cancer.
• Tobacco Control – a smoke free environment
protects children, staff and families from the harms
of tobacco smoke.
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program Be You Program
All of our kindergartens participate in the Stephanie Be You is a mental health and wellbeing initiative for
Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. This program aims to children. It works with early childhood education and care
help children form positive food habits for life. The program services to support the mental health and wellbeing of
provides the inspiration, information, professional learning young children, their families and early childhood educators
and support for our kindergarten educators to deliver using a promotion, prevention and early intervention
pleasurable food education, in conjunction with parents framework. Our Kindergartens are registered in this
and the wider community. program to provide our educators with information and
Research shows that fun has a powerful and positive support to understand mental health and wellbeing issues
impact on learning. When children are relaxed, happy and in young children and their families and to help them
engaged, their senses are on full alert and their brains are embed experiences that develop resilience and wellbeing
perfectly primed to absorb the learning opportunities that into their programs.
surround them.Indigenous Language Program In 2016 WCC implemented the Indigenous Language Program into our Kindergartens. The staff and children have been learning the local aboriginal languages. The program focuses on the languages of Dhauwurd Wurrung, Kirrae Wurrung and Djagurd Wurrung. The children have an opportunity to learn the languages through active engagement in aboriginal art, music and stories. This program enhances the children’s understanding of the local aboriginal culture and inclusive practices. It nurtures and respects children’s cultural identity. It also builds on their literacy skills and contributes to the development of cognitive, communication and problem solving skills. Each Kindergarten group has an aboriginal animal name; Allansford – Ngayook (n-ga-wook) – Cockatoo Beamish – Weengkeel (we-eng-keel) – Koala Central – Kiri (ki-ri) – Magpie & Koorramook (ko-or-ra- mook ) – Possum City - Koorramook (ko-or-ra-mook ) – Possum Kiri (ki-ri) – Magpie Dennington – Kuyang (koo-yang) – Eel East – Weelengkeel (wee-lang-keel) – Echidna - Koorrayn (ko-or-ra-yun) - Kangaroo Florence Collins - Weengkeel (we-eng-keel) – Koala Lions Hopkins - Kuyang (koo-yang) – Eel Mahogany - Koorramook (ko-or-ra-mook ) – Possum Matron Swinton - Koorramook (ko-or-ra-mook ) – Possum Sherwood Park - Weengkeel (we-eng-keel) – Koala South – Kart Prirap (kart-pi-rap) – Pelican & Kiri (ki-ri) - Magpie Nature Kindergarten What is Nature Kindergarten? It is an environment that provides young children with large amounts of time in natural outdoor settings (no toys or manmade play equipment), in all types of weather, and where they can play, explore and experience natural systems (such as lifecycles and weather) and materials found there. Research shows that there are many benefits for children who spend long periods of time in the natural environment. “Outdoor spaces with plants, trees, rocks, mud and water invite open ended interactions, spontaneity, risk taking and a connection with nature (National Quality Standards, 2010, Element 3 Physical environment)”. In 2017, we began to introduce opportunities for some kindergartens to venture out past the kindergarten fence and into a natural setting, on a regular basis, to experience nature and learn through hands on experience. Our aim is to support all of our kindergarten programs to experience the outdoor environment for extended lengths of time and encourage children to take the lead in playing, exploring and learning in a natural environment.
FREE Kindergarten
For families who are eligible/have one of the following:
• Your child identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Your child identifies on their birth certificate as being a multiple birth child (triplets or more)
• Your child holds, or a parent/guardian holds one of the following:
Health Care Card
Pensioner Concession Card
Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold or White card
Eligible Refugee or Asylum Seeker visa
Has your child had their 3.5 year-old
Maternal Child Health check?
We can arrange that easily for you: Please call 5559-4470 to make an
appointment to suit your availabilty.
Download the Maternal and Child Health App
Or visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/mchapp
The Maternal and Child Health App is free and makes it easy to find trusted information.When can my child
start kindergarten?
In Victoria, all children can go to
kindergarten in the year before they
start primary school. All Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander children
can also go to kindergarten as a
three-year-old, if they turn three years
old by 30 April in the year they start.
Where can I find a kindergarten
for my child?
Kindergarten programs are offered
at standalone kindergarten services,
most long day care centres and some
local schools.
To find a kindergarten program in your
local area, visit www.mychild.gov.au,
call your local council or speak to your
local kindergarten service.
Koorie Kids
Enrol today
To find out more about kindergarten, visit:
Shine at
www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/
parents/kindergarten/pages/aboriginal.aspx
or contact:
Warrnambool City Assist
25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool 3280
Kindergarten
Ph: 5559 4800
Email:childandfamily@warrnambool.vic.gov.auWhat happens at
kindergarten?
At kindergarten, your child can:
What is kindergarten? How much does
learn through play, art, music
Kindergarten is a program where your kindergarten cost? •
and dance
child can have fun and learn through play Free kindergarten
and activities. Your child can socialise with • learn to express themselves in a safe,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children inclusive and caring environment
other children, develop confidence, and
can go to 15 hours free kindergarten per week.
build reading, writing and maths skills to • build skills and confidence to
help them get ready for school. When attending a long day care setting, there prepare them for school.
might be some costs for any additional hours
Kindergarten programs have a qualified
above the 15 hours of free kindergarten.
teacher and run for 15 hours per week.
“ because I wanted them to be
I sent my children to kinder
Families might also be able to receive
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Commonwealth Government subsidies. For
children can go to kindergarten for the two ready for school. Kinder made
information about these subsidies, please
years before school through the Early Start them smart, proud, strong and
contact Centrelink.
Kindergarten grant. resilient. Now they’re sending
“
their children too.
Aunty EsmeWhat is Nature Kinder?
Nature Kinder is a type of early year’s
education program that provides young
children with large amounts of time in the
natural environment.
Warrnambool City Council is now offering this
program within some of its Kindergartens for
3 and 4 year old children.
Benefits?
Research shows that children benefit
greatly when they learn through active
engagement in the natural environment.
What does the Program Where will Nature
Children advance from using natural materials
and exploring natural systems in many ways
Involve? Kinder be provided?
including: The Department of Education and Training Nature Kinder will be provided on specific
• Increased Creativity and Problem Solving (DET) supports natural environments that are sites around the Warrnambool District that
• Increased Emotional and Social Resilience beneficial to improving children’s health and have been risk assessed and
• Improved Cognitive abilities wellbeing. Children will be educated through will include bush, beach,
• Increased physical performance and a variety of naturally safe materials including rock pools, gardens
coordination leaves, sticks, branches, dirt, mud, sand, trees and parks. Visits
• Improved self – discipline and grass whilst understanding and respecting will occur on a
• Reduced stress and anxiety the natural environment. regular basis.Contact us:
Web:
www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Call:
03 5559 4747
Post To:
PO Box 198
Warrnambool VIC 3280
Fax:
03 5559 4900
Email:
childandfamily@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Interpreter service available
ABN 44 594 264 321Supporting children with
additional needs at kindergarten
All children who meet the age eligibility criteria are able to enrol in Warrnambool
City Council kindergartens including children with additional needs. An additional
need can include a child with speech difficulties, hearing loss, toileting concerns,
developmental delay, social & emotional concerns or a diagnosed disability.
Going to kindergarten is an important milestone in the lives of both you and your
child. It will help your child learn skills that they will build on throughout their life and
provide a great opportunity to grow socially and emotionally, which helps them get
ready to start school. Our staff are committed to supporting and including all
children. They work in partnership with families and support services to ensure each
child has the opportunity to be fully engaged in the kindergarten program.
Choosing the right kindergarten to suit your child’s needs takes planning and
research. You will need to consider which kindergarten best suits your child – this
will partly be determined by the sort of support your child needs and the length of
the session that the kindergarten runs.
The Central Enrolment process also supports children with additional needs by
seeking information about each child regarding:
any additional needs a child may have (hearing, speech, emotional needs,
social needs);
any specific diagnosis (medical, disability);
any support services a child or family are involved with (eg. speech therapist,
psychologist, occupational therapist, Maternal & Child Health, Family
Support, Mpower, Specialist Children’s Services, Child First).
It is important that families provide as much information as possible when doing
their child’s enrolment as this will assist kindergarten staff to ensure they are
prepared for the learning and development needs of your child.
During the application to enrol process you will be asked for information on
your child’s additional needs or health concerns and you may be required to
upload documentation to support this. If you don’t have documentation,
please don’t let this stop you from providing this information as it is important
for us to know. If you encounter any difficulties or have queries please contact
WCC on 55594 800 and ask to speak to the Kindergarten Enrolment Team.How old must my child be to attend four year old kindergarten?
All children in Victoria are eligible to access a funded kindergarten program in their year before school.
To enrol in a funded kindergarten program, your child must be at least four years old by 30 April in
the year they will attend the program.
For children born between 1 January and 30 April, parents have a choice about whether they
commence school in the year they turn five, or in the following year when they will turn 6, and therefore
whether they commence kindergarten in the year they turn four or the year they turn five.
If a child will turn 4 years between January 1st & April 30th whilst
attending a Kindergarten Program.
We encourage families who are considering enrolling their child to attend kindergarten when they will be
turning 4 years between January 1 & April 30th, to seek advice from early childhood professionals to
inform their decision. This could include a Preschool Field Officer, prep teacher or principal at the family’s
school of choice, a Maternal and Child Health nurse, family doctor or speech therapist. A kindergarten
educator should also meet the child in order to provide the family with a professional opinion about
whether the child would benefit from late or early entry into a kindergarten program.
Once a child has had a funded year of kindergarten they will then go onto school the next year unless
they have been recommended for a second year of kindergarten by an early childhood professional as
the child has at least two areas of developmental delay.
We therefore:
encourage families to carefully consider the best time for their child to start kindergarten, as all
children learn and develop in different ways;
encourage families to consult with relevant early childhood professionals for guidance;
encourage families to seek advice and reassurance about how the kindergarten program will
support their child’s learning and development;
advise families that once their child commences kindergarten, they are expected to
complete a full year of kindergarten and that funding is limited to one year for each child
(unless they are eligible for an Early Start Kindergarten grant or a second year of funded
kindergarten).
If your child will turn 6 years whilst attending a
Kindergarten Program.
If your child will turn 6 six years of age (compulsory school age) before or while attending their first
or second year of funded kindergarten you must obtain an exemption from attending school.
Parents/guardians are responsible for seeking this exemption by applying to the Department of Education
and Training using an Exemption from school due to attendance in a kindergarten program form.First year of funded kindergarten
A parent/guardian may apply for an exemption from school for a child turning six before or during their
first funded year of kindergarten if one or more of the following circumstances apply:
the family has moved from interstate or overseas where the school entry age criteria are different
from those in Victoria;
the child's early education has been delayed due to chronic illness, disability or development delay;
the child is a refugee/asylum seeker who has suffered trauma and would benefit significantly from
a year of kindergarten before enrolling in school;
the child has not been able to access kindergarten previously due to transient family circumstances;
or
other special considerations.
The parent/guardian is required to obtain written confirmation from a relevant professional (e.g.
kindergarten teacher, medical practitioner or an allied health professional) verifying the reason
for exemption and why it is in the child's best interest to attend kindergarten rather than commence at
school. A copy of this written evidence and any other written advice that supports the child's exemption
from school must be attached to the Exemption from school due to attendance in a kindergarten program
form.
Second year of funded kindergarten
A parent/guardian may apply for an exemption from school for a child turning six before or during their
second funded year of kindergarten if a Declaration of eligibility for a second year of funded kindergarten
has been submitted by the early childhood teacher in the Kindergarten Information Management system
(KIM). This Declaration confirms the child is eligible for a second funded year of kindergarten because
an assessment by an early childhood teacher has identified developmental delays in two or more key
areas of development.
Exemption application process
The completed Exemption from school due to attendance in kindergarten program form must be
forwarded by the parent/guardian to the Area Executive Director of the relevant Department of Education
and Training regional office by 1 November in the year before the child turns six.
The Department will provide written confirmation of the decision to the parent/guardian following
consideration of the request.
The parent/guardian must provide a copy of the Department's decision to the child's kindergarten
service and Warrnambool City Council as evidence of eligibility for kindergarten per capita
funding.
Please note that the nominated parent/guardian has the option to withdraw the school exemption request
if the child is later enrolled to attend school.About
kindergarten
What is kindergarten? • build their communication skills by
Children go to a kindergarten
listening to and having conversations
Kindergarten (also called preschool) is with the educators and other children program in the year before
a program for young children delivered starting school, usually
by a qualified early childhood teacher. • develop the skills that they need for
when they are four years
reading, writing and mathematics.
old. Some services also offer
Why should my child go kindergarten programs for
Where can I find
to kindergarten? three-year-olds.
a kindergarten?
Kindergarten is an important step
for young children and is strongly Some kindergartens run as stand- The Choosing a kindergarten
recommended for all children. alone services (for example, program information sheet
community kindergartens). Other has advice about choosing
Research shows that kindergarten kindergarten programs are run through the best time for your child
improves children’s health and long day care centres or schools.
wellbeing, helps them to develop
to start kindergarten.
strong social skills and encourages To find a kindergarten program in
your local area (or area of choice)
a love of learning.
visit www.education.vic.gov.au/
How much does
Children who go to a kindergarten findaservice/Home.aspx or contact kindergarten cost?
program are more independent and your local council, which you can find The Victorian Government provides
confident and are more likely to make by visiting www.dtpli.vic.gov.au funding to services to contribute to the
a smooth transition to primary
The Choosing a kindergarten cost of running a funded kindergarten
school (Prep).
program information sheet has program, which helps keep fees for four-
What happens at a advice about choosing a kindergarten year-old kindergarten as low as possible.
program that suits your family.
kindergarten? Look for this
certificate, which
A high-quality kindergarten program All children can attend shows that a
will offer your child a range of learning kindergarten kindergarten
experiences and activities that program receives
are both stimulating and fun. Your Kindergarten is for all children. If
funding from
child’s learning and curiosity will be your child has a disability or learning
the Victorian
encouraged through experiences and difficulty, the educators will talk
Government and
activities, such as exploring the natural with you about how the program and
is delivered by
world, being exposed to new ideas and environment can support your child.
a qualified early
solving problems. If you need support to enrol your child childhood teacher.
Your child will be able to: in a kindergarten program or to find a
Services that offer kindergarten
program that suits your family contact
• learn to work with others and make programs often charge fees to help
your local council.
friends through group activities meet the cost of running the programs.
and cooperative play Go to page 2 for information Fees are set by individual services and
about subsidies. can vary depending on how many hours
• express their creativity, for example, your child attends, group size and extra
through dance, movement and art costs such as excursions.How many hours a week can Your child is eligible to attend free
kindergarten if they are at least
my child go to kindergarten? three years old by 30 April and:
Most four-year-old kindergarten • are an Aboriginal and/or Torres
programs are offered for 15 hours Strait Islander, or
a week.
• are known to Child Protection,
Free or low cost or referred by Child Protection to
Child FIRST.
kindergarten for children
If your child has had a free program
in the year before school two years before school, they can
The Victorian Government subsidises attend a four-year-old program the
fees for some children so they can next year for free or at low cost.
attend kindergarten for free or at Ask your child’s kindergarten
low cost in the year before they start educator or service manager for more
primary school, usually when they are information about free kindergarten
four years old. programs for three-year-olds.
Your child is eligible if they:
Do you need an interpreter?
• are an Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander The Victorian Government provides
a free interpreter service for families
• are a triplet or quadruplet attending funded kindergarten
• hold (or have a parent or guardian programs. Ask your child’s kindergarten
who holds) an eligible concession educator or service manager to call the
card or refugee, humanitarian or free interpreter service.
asylum seeker visa.
Related links
Ask your child’s kindergarten educator
or service manager if you think your Choosing a kindergarten program –
child may be eligible for a fee subsidy. This information sheet has advice
about choosing a kindergarten
Free kindergarten for program – that suits your family and
choosing the best time for your child
three-year-olds to start kindergarten.
The Victorian Government subsidises
Free or low cost kindergarten –
fees for some children so they can
www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/
attend kindergarten for free two years
parents/kindergarten/Pages/fees.aspx
before they start primary school,
usually when they are three years old. Free kindergarten for three year-olds –
www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/
parents/kindergarten/Pages/
earlystart.aspx
Prepared by:
Department of Education and Training
2, Treasury Place, East Melbourne
Melbourne 3002
© State of Victoria August 2015Choosing a
kindergarten
program
Finding a kindergarten What to look for when you Kindergarten (also called
program visit a service preschool) is a program for
Every family is different. This means • Were you made to feel welcome?
young children delivered by
the kindergarten program you choose High-quality kindergarten programs a qualified early childhood
should be a good fit with your child are based on a partnership between educator, usually in the year
and family. families and educators. Did the before school.
educators ask questions about
To find kindergarten programs in Kindergarten is an important
your child and your family? Were
your local area (or area of choice)
the educators interested in your step for young children and is
visit www.education.vic.gov.au/
findaservice/Home.aspx or contact
questions and concerns? strongly recommended for
your local council, which you can find • If your child was with you, did the all children.
by visiting www.dtpli.vic.gov.au educators engage directly with your
Kindergarten improves
child (rather than speaking to your
It’s a good idea to start looking for
child through you)?
children’s health and wellbeing,
a kindergarten program early, as helps them to develop
enrolment processes vary across • Are there a variety of fun and confidence and social skills.
Victoria. Some services accept challenging learning opportunities
applications when children turn two. that celebrate the cultures of the
children who use the service? • How does the program encourage
Once you have a shortlist of
positive behaviour?
kindergarten programs, contact • Do the indoor and outdoor areas
the services to find out if they are offer the children stimulating • What will happen if your child
holding open days or information learning experiences – for example, becomes unwell or upset?
sessions, or make an appointment the opportunity to explore and • Does the service have a
to visit. discover new things? Is there space kindergarten certificate on
for the children to play with others display? This certificate shows
This is a great way to get a ‘feel’ for
or alone? Are there spaces where that a kindergarten program
each program, to ask questions
children can go to be quiet? receives funding from the Victorian
and to share information about your
child. You can also find out about Government and is taught by a
Have your questions ready qualified early childhood teacher.
the days and times the kindergarten
program runs, how to enrol your • How will the educators work with
• What is the service’s rating against
child and any fees charged and you to support your child’s learning?
the National Quality Standard (part
subsidies available. • How will the educators include your of an Australia-wide quality system
Visit more than one program if child’s interests? of education and care services)? Can
you can. Try not to rely only on you see the written assessment?
• What opportunities will there be to
what other families say. discuss your child’s progress? • Is there a waiting list for places?
Do you need to pay a deposit to
• If your child has additional needs,
enrol or to be put on the waiting list?
how will the service support you
Tell the service if you are not able to
and your child?
pay the deposit.How old should my As well, you can talk with your
child’s Maternal and Child Health
child be when they start nurse, family doctor and any other
kindergarten? professionals your child sees
(for example, Speech Therapist,
It is usual for children to attend a
Physiotherapist or Paediatrician).
kindergarten program in the year
before they start primary school. Can my child go to
This is often called ‘four-year-old
kindergarten’. kindergarten for more
Your child can start school if they turn than one year?
five years old by 30 April of the year Children who are:
they start school. Your child must be
enrolled in school by the age of six, • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
unless they have an exemption. So, if Islander, or
your child’s birthday falls before 30 • known to Child Protection, or
April in the calendar year, you have referred by Child Protection to
a choice about whether to enrol your Child FIRST
child in school in the year they turn
can go to kindergarten for free or at
five or the next year. Children learn
low cost for two years before they
at different rates, in different ways,
start primary school, usually starting
and at different times. In some cases,
when they are three years old.
your child may benefit from starting a
kindergarten program later. Some children with developmental Related links
delays who complete four-year-
Where can I get advice old kindergarten may benefit from
About kindergarten – this information
sheet has details about kindergarten
on the best time to start completing a second year of funded
programs, fees and subsidies.
kindergarten before going on
kindergarten? to school. Free kindergarten for three-year-old –
If you are unsure about the best time www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/
Talk to a kindergarten educator if
for your child to start a kindergarten parents/kindergarten/Pages/fees.
you would like to know more about
program, ask a kindergarten aspx
these options.
educator for advice. Find out how the Second year of kindergarten for
kindergarten program can support Do you need an interpreter? children with developmental delays–
your child. www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/
The Victorian Government provides
Meet with the principal or a teacher at a free interpreter service for families parents/kindergarten/Pages/
the school that your child is likely to attending funded kindergarten secondyear.aspx
attend. Talk about the best time for your programs. Ask your child’s kindergarten
child to start Prep. Find out how the educator or service manager to call
Prep program can support your child. the free interpreter service.
Prepared by:
Department of Education and Training
2, Treasury Place, East Melbourne
Melbourne 3002
© State of Victoria August 2015KINDERGARTEN GROUPS 2021
KINDER GROUP Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
Allansford Ngayook 8.30-4.00 8.30-4.00
Beamish Street Weengkeel 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30
Central Kiri 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30
Central Koorramook 8.30-4.00 8.30-4.00
City Kiri 8.30-4.00 8.30-4.00
City Koorramook 8.30-4.00 8.30-4.00
Dennington Kuyang 8.30-4.00 8.30-4.00
East Weelangkeel 8.30-4.00 8.30-4.00
East Koorrayn 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30
Lions-Hopkins Kuyang 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30
Mahogany Koorramook 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30
South Kart Pirap 8.30-4.00 8.30-4.00
South Kiri 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30 8.30-1.30
Matron Swinton Koorramook These services are located in a Childcare Centre. The session is a
combination of kindergarten and child care. The kindergarten program is
taught by a qualified kindergarten teacher. Each child will be allocated
to 15 hours of kinder per week (3 x 5 hours). The Child Care operates
Sherwood Park Weengkeel outside of the kindergarten hours and during school holidays. All families
are charged for these service during the holidays. Families using these
services may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy. Please note these
Florence Collins Weengkeel services start earlier than the other kindergarten programs operating a
pre-kindergarten program during January. For further details and fees
for these services please refer to Fact Sheet 1.You can also read
