Research shows that engaging children in
high-quality learning experiences benefits all children and their
families.
These can improve a child’s learning and
development outcomes, emotional wellbeing, their longer-term educational and
social outcomes and life experience. It is vital that children receive these
benefits when they are emotionally and socially ready for the
experience.
Government Funding
The Federal and State Governments provide kindergarten
funding to subsidise 15 hours of kindergarten for each child, in the year before
school.
A second year of kindergarten is available for
children who meet the eligibility criteria and are deemed to have a
developmental delay in at least two areas. It is important to note that the
majority of children are only eligible for ONE year of funded
kindergarten. From 2014, children who withdraw from a funded
program once they commence will not be eligible for a second year
anywhere in Victoria.
How old should
my child be?
Children are eligible to attend
kindergarten if they are turning 4 before the end of April in any given year.
Some parents choose to wait an extra
year especially if their child is born between January and April. The
conversations about when a child is ready for kindergarten and also
when a child is ready for school need to take place before the child
begins their funded kindergarten year.
As each child is only eligible for
one year of funded kindergarten, it is important to determine when they would
benefit most from starting school and enrol to attend kindergarten the year
before that.
Your decision is critical with long
reaching implications for your child.
Who can advise me?
Maternal and Child
Health Services and kindergarten staff provide valuable information to parents
about when to begin the more formal educational journey. Some families may
choose to enrol in Pre-Kinder the year prior to their funded kindergarten
program.
It is important that
families take the time to make an informed decision now.
Please make an
appointment at your local kindergarten to discuss this with your child’s
prospective teacher. Alternatively you could talk to your Pre-Kinder teacher,
Long Day Care Provider or your local Maternal and Child Health Centre.
