• Eligibility
• Placement

Eligibility

Three Year Old Kindergarten

Children are eligible to apply for three year old kindergarten provided they turn three years old by April 30th the year they attend (see table below). However no child can commence sessions until they have turned three. If you wish to accept a place and hold it until your child turns three, a holding fee will apply. Please note that an additional age criteria may also apply at some centres, please refer to the information relevant to the kindergarten of your choice.

The fact that your child is eligible to attend three year old kindergarten in accordance with the table below does not mean that they must attend that year. You can delay your childs attendance until the following year depending on your childs requirements. Three year old kindergarten groups will have children between the ages of three and four in them so they will still be attending kindergarten with their peers.

If you apply for a place at three year old kindergarten and then decide not to attend your enrolment is cancelled. If you then decide to attend the following year, you must re-apply, you cannot transfer the enrolment. Children may apply for a second year of three year old kindergarten however they receive no preference in the allocation of positions.

There is currently no Government funding for three year old kindergarten so three year old kindergarten fees must cover all costs associated with the delivery of the program. Fees vary from kindergarten to kindergarten so please check with the kindergarten of your choice for further details.

Four Year Old Kindergarten

Children are eligible to apply for four year old kindergarten provided they turn four years old by April 30th the year they attend (refer table below). Even though you can enrol your child when they are of eligible age you do not have to, you can delay your childs pre-school attendance until the following year if you believe that it is best for your child. Four year old kindergarten programs will have children who are four, five and sometimes even turning six in them. It is important for you to consider if your child is ready for four year old kindergarten. Advice may be sought from the kindergarten teachers, maternal and child health nurses and there is very useful literature on the subject of readiness that all may assist you in making your decision. (click here for more information)

Government policy allows a funding subsidy for one year of four year old kindergarten per child in the year prior to school entry. A second year of funded kindergarten may be granted by the government in limited circumstances, please consult your childs teacher further regarding this issue.

If you enrol your child for four year old kindergarten but then decide to defer their attendance until the following year, you must advise the Central Enrolment Office. Your enrolment will then be deferred and you do not need to re-enrol, your enrolment application and fee are automatically carried forward. If you have been offered a place at a kindergarten then that place is also deferred and automatically carried forward. If you have commenced the four year old kindergarten year and then decided that your child is not ready, you must withdraw from the four year old program prior to the end of second term to automatically qualify for funding the next year.