The City of Greater Geelong has a large number of excellent kindergartens located throughout the municipality, which aim to develop children's individual social, emotional, intellectual, physical and language abilities in the year prior to commencing primary school. Most kindergarten centres are managed by parent committees, which provide an opportunity for parents to become closely involved in the operation and development of your local kindergarten. Other kindergartens are operated or managed by schools, church organisations, and also provided through some childcare centres.
Kindergarten Programs:
Children enrolled in kindergarten participate in a variety of activities that reflect age appropriate interests and skills, extend their knowledge of themselves and others, and help them to understand their social environment. Children have the opportunity to be involved in creative activities, develop physical skills, increase independence and develop positive self-awareness and confidence.
How to Enrol:
Children are eligible to attend kindergarten if the child turns 4 years of age on or before 30th April in the year of attendance. Children under this age can often access additional services offered by local kindergartens, such as three-year-old groups, which are not funded and operate on a fee for service basis.
Enrolment at kindergarten can be arranged through the local kindergarten. There is generally high demand for available kindergarten places, which are limited for each kindergarten by operating regulations. Consequently kindergartens can have waiting lists well in advance (years) of the actual year of commencement.
In some instances a 'central' or coordinated enrolment system operates which provides parents with the option of nominating their preferred kindergarten. Enrolments are generally accepted on or after a child's second birthday. Each kindergarten develops their own enrolment policy, which reflects the needs of the kindergarten and local community. Enrolment requirements usually entail completion of an enrolment form, which requires all relevant details of the family and child concerned, along with any special needs or disabilities, health issues and immunisation history. Contact the kindergartens listed below for more details about their individual enrolment requirements and policies.
Fees and Charges:
Fees charged by individual kindergartens vary considerably and should be determined through inquiry at your local kindergarten. An additional preschool fee subsidy is paid by the Victorian Government to help reduce the cost of preschool for eligible families who have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Most kindergartens also conduct fund raising activities associated with their operation throughout the year to assist with operational costs and providing new resources and equipment for the children.
Staffing & Regulations:
Kindergarten programs are conducted by trained and experienced staff who have appropriate early childhood education qualifications. All Centres are registered with the Victorian Department of Human Services and comply with Children's Services Centres Regulations There are a range of stringent legislative guidelines that kindergartens are required to operate under, enforced by the Department of Human Services.
Children With Special Needs:
Children with additional needs can also attend preschools. Their attendance is supported by preschool field officers and other specialist supports that work with parents and kindergarten staff to develop appropriate programs that support and encourage participation. The Victorian State Government provides a Koori Early Childhood Program, which specifically assists children from aboriginal backgrounds to access kindergarten, and encourage kindergarten programs to be culturally relevant and inclusive.
For further information about kindergartens visit any of the following websites:
Geelong Kindergarten Association: www.gka.org.au
Tel: (03) 5222 6965
Kindergarten Parents Victoria: www.kpv.org.au
Tel: (03) 9489 3500 1300 730119
Department Education and Early Childhood Development
www.education.vic.gov.au
