Three-Year-Old Kindergarten

  

Funded three-year-old kindergarten is being introduced across Victoria as a new initiative to support young children to get the best start to their education.

Funded kindergarten programs for three-year-olds are being rolled out in stages. Colac Otway Shire was in the second stage of the roll out for this program back in 2021 where up to 15 hours per week of subsidised kindergarten was available.

Here is a video outlining the new three-year-old funded kindergarten initiative:

Three year old Kinder

 

Why should I enrol my child in 3-year-old kinder? 

Research shows that quality play-based learning is a powerful way to support children’s learning and development.

The benefits last into the school years and beyond.

Evidence also shows that two years are better than one when it comes to early learning.

Taking part in a quality kindergarten program at an earlier age leads to positive effects on child development. It has even greater benefits for children who need extra support or are in vulnerable circumstances. Teachers support children to develop curiosity, concentration, resilience and creativity. Through play they learn language skills, basic maths concepts, and how to regulate their behaviour and get along with others.

When can my child start kindergarten?

Children can attend kindergarten programs in the two years before they start primary school.

Families with children born between January and April can choose which year to start at Three-Year- Old Kindergarten. These children can start in the same year they turn three, or in the year they turn four years of age. Due to staff requirements, some services may ask that children start attending at kindergarten only after their third birthday. This may mean that some children may not start until part-way into Term 1 and have less time overall as part of a Three-Year-Old Kindergarten program, in comparison to their peers.

If this is the case for your child and you accept a place, kindergartens will hold your child’s place until they are old enough to attend.

Kindergarten services will discuss with you directly about how they can support your child to join their program once they turn three.

When your child starts at kindergarten directly relates to the age they will start at primary school. When enrolling at Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, we encourage families to plan ahead and consider the age they would like their child to start at school.

 

How do I enrol my child?

Talk to your local kindergarten or childcare provider to understand their enrolment process, and visit their centre and staff.

You can look at service quality ratings here: Starting Blocks

Every provider is different, and finding the one that best suits your family's needs is important.

Colac Otway Shire located Kindergartens and Childcare Centres are now taking enrolments for three-year-old funded kindergarten click on the link below to find a kinder near you and how to register. 

 Kindergartens