4 Year Old Kindergarten Enrolment Kit 2021

Kindergarten 2021

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

Important dates

What is Kindergarten?Four-year-old kindergarten is a one year education program for children, the year before they start school. Warrnambool City Council runs 12 kindergartens.

QualityAll Warrnambool City Council kindergartens have achieved an exceeding rating in relation to the National Quality standards, a comprehensive set of measures which guide families in identifying quality approved education and child care services across the country.

Sessions for Kindergarten in 2021Children will attend kindergarten for 15 hours per week (three 5 hour sessions or two 7.5 hour sessions).

Kindergarten at Warrnambool City Council Centre Based ChildcareA 15 hour kindergarten program is offered (three 5 hour sessions) at the three WCC Childcare Centres. Florence Collins: Mon-Fri, 7.30am – 6.00pmSherwood Park: Mon-Fri, 8.00am – 6.00pmMatron Swinton: Mon-Fri, 8.00am – 6.00pmThese services are open Monday to Friday throughout the year (excluding public holidays and Christmas closure) with childcare offered either side of the kindergarten hours.Kindergarten children may be able to access additional childcare on days they aren’t attending for kindergarten. Bookings encompass the entire calendar year, therefore fees are charged during term breaks. Fees will vary for this service.

How are Kinder places allocated?The priority of access criteria is used to allocate kinder places. See Fact Sheet 2 for further details.

How old does my child need to be to attend four (4) year old kindergarten?Your child needs to be four years old by 30 April in the year they attend kindergarten. If your child turns 6 in the year they attend Kindergarten please refer to information sheet.

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

Kindergarten, other factors may impact on his/her readiness for this experience.If you are concerned about whether your child is ready, or need more information about when the best time is for your child to go to Kindergarten, you can view a virtual information session at www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au. Contact City Assist on 5559 4800 for further details.

The Department of Education and Training website also provides information on starting kindergarten (see www.education.vic.gov.au/kindergarten)

How do I apply to enrol for four year old Kindergarten?All applications for four year old kindergarten are to be lodged via the on-line portal. www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/4-year-old-kindergarten. Simply register via the portal.Once you confirm the registration email, you will be required to answer a series of questions presented over several tabs and upload supporting documentation.

Supporting documentation you will need includes:

1. Child’s birth certificate OR Statutory Declaration in the event that you do not have a birth certificate OR Passport.

2. Proof of Warrnambool residency in the form of Rates Notice OR Electricity or Gas bill issued in the last 3 months OR Relevant building permit OR Tenancy Agreement if applicable.

3. Court Orders if applicable.4. Concession Card if applicable.5. Letter from appropriate professional or support

agency verifying your child is assessed as having special needs, a disability or developmental delay if applicable.

6. Medical documentation displaying a professional diagnosis for your child if applicable.

7. Letter from a case manager or support agency verifying how your child meets high priority criteria if applicable.

Supporting documentation can be in virtually any format such as PDF, doc, docX or JPEG but must be fully legible.

Kindergarten Fact Sheet NO.1Four-Year-Old Kindergarten

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 websitewww.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 KindergartenPayment 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.

A statement of fees will be issued fortnightly to parents (CBCC kindergarten and AKC only). Families may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy and other Government Assistance if they meet the set criteria. (Please contact the Family Assistance Office on 136150 to find out your eligibility for CCS and other funding.)

Are there any concessions? Some families will receive a fee subsidy resulting in free or low cost kindergarten. Eligible families will receive support from the State Government to reduce the cost of kindergarten.

Staffing at KindergartensWCC cannot guarantee which service individual staff members will be working at. Staffing is determined at the end of the year dependent on enrolment numbers and staff availability. All staff are tertiary qualified.

Contact usWarrnambool City AssistPh: 5559 4800Postal Address - PO BOX 198 Warrnambool 3280Service Centre – 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/kinder

An enrolment kit, including a range of Kindergarten Fact Sheets, are available to read, download and print from our website.

For a copy of the complete Kindergarten Enrolment Policy for Four Year Old Kindergarten please contact City Assist.

Department of Education and TrainingSouth Western Victorian RegionPh: 1300 333 232Email: swvr@edumail.vic.gov.auOffice: 99 Fairy Street Warrnambool, Victoria 3280Postal Address: PO Box 1127,Warrnambool 3280

Warrnambool City Council (WCC) runs a centralised application process for 4 year old kindergarten programs at 12 kindergartens managed by Council (see Fact Sheet No.4 for a list of WCC Kindergartens).The centralised enrolment process simplifies the application process for both the Kindergartens and for families and offers a fair and equitable allocation system.

How many children can go to each Kindergarten group?The number able to be enrolled per group depends 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 kindergartens across Warrnambool.

What happens if more children apply to attend a particular Kindergarten than there are places? 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.

How were the criteria determined?The criteria were developed based on feedback from the community and are in accordance with Municipal Association of Victoria guidelines and the Department of Education and Training Priority of Access.

How does this work?When applications for enrolment are received, places are reserved for children eligible for a second year of funded kindergarten. The available places are then allocated. If more children are seeking a place in a particular kindergarten group

Children identified as high priority children - please refer to information on Fact Sheet 3

Children who have had a sibling attend the preferred kindergarten

Children who have previously attended a 4 year old or Early Start kindergarten programor childcare program at the preferred kindergarten

Children of WCC ratepayers or who are living within the City of Warrnambool

Priority of access criteria* Points

Kindergarten Fact Sheet NO.2How are Kindergarten places allocated?

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than there are places available, each application will be given a score based on the priority of access criteria below: Children will be allocated to the places available in each group according to the number of points allocated to their application - with the highest scoring applications placed first and so on.If there are not enough remaining places for children with an equal number of points, the distance between the kindergarten and the children’s homes will be measured. The child/ren living closest to the kindergarten will receive the remaining places.

Why do I have to indicate preferences for every kinder program?Any children who do not get into their first kindergarten group preference will then be assessed for their second preference and so on, until they are placed. It is therefore essential to make sure you list ALL preferences from 1-16, with 1 being your most preferred group and 16 being your least preferred group.

What if parents/carers indicate that their child meets the priority of access criteria just to gain an advantage?Supporting documents which show that the applicant meets any priority of access criteria must be submitted with the application. Without proof, no points will be attributed to the application.

What happens if I apply late?Any applications received after the first round offer closing date will be offered a second round place from the vacancies remaining after those who applied by the due date have been enrolled. The priority of access criteria will be used to determine who is placed first in the remaining vacancies.

What if I don’t get the kindergarten group I wanted?On average, 8 out of 10 children receive their first preference after first round offers, and after second round offers 9 out of 10 children receive their first preference. When first round offers are made, if you reject an offer, or fail to respond to the offer in the timeframe set out in the letter of offer, you will be considered to have declined the placement. If you wish to remain on a waiting list for the preferred kinder group you will be contacted if a place becomes available at your preferred kindergarten. All waiting list placements will be finalised by the end ofterm 1, 2021.

Please note you cannot go on a waiting list if you have received your first or second preference.After second round offers are made, in exceptional circumstances a request for review can be submitted to the Manager Children’s and Family Services on the form available on the website.

All requests for review will be accepted and responded to in a cooperative and reasonable manner, which seeks a satisfactory resolution for all parties. Please note - no requests for review will be accepted before second round offers are made. The following case study shows how the priority of access criteria works... More applicants have been received for East Warrnambool Kindergarten’s Group than there are places available. Therefore, the priority of access criteria are used and scores are calculated for each application for that group. A sample of the applicants follows:

Georgia lives in east Warrnambool and the closest Kindergarten to her is East Warrnambool. Her big sister Madeline attended East Kinder two years ago. In accordance with the priority of access criteria she gets 1 point for being a resident of Warrnambool and 1 point as her sister has previously attended. Total score 2.Tyson has a tough time in life. He and his mum live in Warrnambool and have a family services worker helping them. Whilst Tyson’s big sister went to South as they used to live nearby, Tyson’s family support worker has helped them to apply to East Kinder because it’s their closest Kinder and they can walk there as they have no car. Tyson gets 4 points for being identified as high priority and 1 point because he lives in Warrnambool. Total score 5.Sam’s parents are new to town and they don’t know anyone yet. They think it is important he goes to the nearest Kindergarten to their home because there will be a greater likelihood that there will be children attending that Kindergarten that will also go to the local primary school. Sam’s application gets 1 point for being a resident of Warrnambool.Total score 1

Contact usWarrnambool City Assist

Ph: 5559 4800Postal Address - PO BOX 198 Warrnambool 3280Service Centre – 25 Liebig Street, Warrnamboolwww.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/kinderAn enrolment kit, including a range of kinder fact sheets, are available to read, download and print from our website.

Kyle is the eldest child and lives in Koroit and his Dad wants him to go to East Kinder because that’s where he went when he was a child. Total score 0

Scarlett lives in Nullawarre, but her mum works in Warrnambool. Her brother attended East Kindergarten last year and that is the preferred Kindergarten for Scarlett. Scarlett gets 1 point for a sibling having attended the preferred service.Total score 1.

Levi lives in Warrnambool, having recently arrived in Australia with his family as refugees. They live 200 metres from East Kindergarten and have formed a friendship with their neighbours who are applying for a place at East Kindergarten for their child. Levi gets 4 points for being identified as high priority and 1 point for being a Warrnambool resident.Total score 5.

So, based on the points allocated to their application, the children would be placed in the following priority order:

Tyson: 5 pointsLevi: 5 pointsGeorgia: 2 points

The children are allocated to the available places, with the highest score placed first (e.g. Tyson and Levi), then next highest (e.g. Georgia) and so on. After allocating places to Tyson, Levi and Georgia there is only one place left in the group and two applications having scored 1 point. The two applications are reviewed to determine if the kinder is the closest facility to the child’s home. In this case, Sam lives closest to East Kindergarten and so attending this Kinder would provide the opportunity for his family to walk or ride to and from Kindergarten. As a result Sam is allocated the remaining place in East Kindergarten’s Group.Scarlett and Kyles’ applications are then assessed for their second kindergarten group of choice. These are both at a different kindergarten (Central Kindergarten), After first preferences, there are still enough places in the Central Kindergarten group for all children whose second preference was that group. Kyle and Scarlett are both offered a place at Central Kindergarten.

Sam: 1 pointScarlett:1 pointKyle: 0 points

1. What is the ‘priority of access’ criteria?If more children are seeking a place in a particular kindergarten group than there are places available, each application will be given a score based on the priority of access criteria below.

2. Definition of High Priority Children, see table on back.

3. What documents do I need to provide to support my child’s application?If your child is eligible for any points under the priority of access criteria, the following documents must be provided to ensure points are attributed.

3.1 High Priority Children Families with children in Out of Home Care, families with children assessed as having special needs, a disability and/or developmental delay, children in families which include a disabled person, children in families reliant on income support, children in socially and geographically isolated families.Please:• Provide a letter from an appropriate support agency

or professional verifying your child is assessed as having special needs, a disability and/or a developmental delay relevant to this criteria (see overleaf for further details)

• Provide a letter from a case manager/supporting organisation verifying how your child meets any other category of this criteria, or

• Contact WCC to discuss this further

Children identified as high priority

Children who have had a sibling attend the preferred kindergarten

Children who have previously attended a 4 year old or Early Start Kindergarten kinder program or childcare program at the preferred kindergarten

Children who are living within the City of Warrnambool or whose parents are WCCratepayers

Priority of access criteria Points4

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This fact sheet provides definitions regarding the access criteria and sets out the supporting documents which must be provided as proof of eligibility.

Kindergarten Fact Sheet NO.3 Priority of Access Criteria - Definitions & supporting documentsAs 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.

You may be asked to provide relevant additional evidence later on.

3.2 Residents/Ratepayers of the City of Warrnambool For families who live within the City of Warrnambool or pay rates to Warrnambool City Council, the enrolment application must be submitted with proof to ensure points 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

months (e.g. electricity, gas, telephone)• A copy of a rates notices • A copy of a relevant building permit if you are

currently building a residence in Warrnambool• A copy of a tenancy agreement

3.3 Children who have had a sibling attend the preferred kindergarten. Please indicate the name of the sibling and the year enrolled in the place provided on the application - this will be checked against Council’s records.

3.4 Children who have previously attended a 4 year old or Early Start Kindergarten program or a childcare program at the preferred kindergarten. Please indicate the program attended in the place provided on the application – this will be checked against Council’s records.

4. I’m still not sure about this?If you are unsure about the criteria please talk to the City Assist staff at Council’s Civic Centre. Phone 5559 4800.

High priority childrenChildren at risk of abuse or neglect, including children in Out-of-Home Care

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children

Asylum seeker and refugee children

Children eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy

Children with additional needs, defined as children who:

• require additional assistance in order to fully participate in the kindergarten program

• require a combination of services which are individually planned

• have an identified specific disability or developmental delay

ExampleThe child is:• attending Early Start Kindergarten, or is• 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.

• Child identified by parent/carer on application as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

• An appropriate visa identifies the child and/or parents as a refugee or asylum seeker.

• A child or parent holds a Commonwealth Health Care Card, 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.

The child:• is assessed as having delays in two or more areas and is

declared eligible for a second funded year of kindergarten• holds a Child Disability Health Care Card• has previously been approved for Kindergarten Inclusion

Support Package, or referred by:• the National Disability Insurance Scheme• Early Childhood Intervention Service• Preschool Field Officer, or• Maternal and Child Health nurse.

For more information please contact:City Assist

Ph: 5559 4800Postal Address – PO BOX 198 Warrnambool 3280Service Centre – 25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool

A full range of kinder fact sheets are available to read, download and print from our website

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Map Ref. Kindergarten

Kindergarten Fact Sheet NO.4Kindergartens managed by Warrnambool City Council

Allansford Kindergarten82 Ziegler Parade, Allansford - Phone: 5559 4585

Beamish Street Kindergarten23 Beamish Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4530

Central Kindergarten 2 Manifold Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4560

City Kindergarten600 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4753

Dennington Kindergarten12-16 The Esplanade, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4575

East Warrnambool Kindergarten 22E-26E Lava Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4570

Florence Collins Kindergarten 27-47 Kepler Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4640

Lions-Hopkins Kindergarten 31 Gladstone Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4580

Mahogany Kindergarten 35 Hoddle Street, Warrnambool - Phone 5559 4800Located on the West Warrnambool Primary School Site.

South Warrnambool Kindergarten 24 Stanley Street, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4520

Matron Swinton13-15 Lipook Court, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4650

Sherwood ParkDeakin University, Princes Hwy, Warrnambool - Phone: 5559 4595

Kindergarten Enrolment Kits available online

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Locations of Kinders

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Play Based LearningOur kindergartens offer programs that promote learning through active engagement and play. Active play allows children to test and develop a wide range of skills. It promotes significant health and wellbeing benefits. In our high quality Early Childhood services, your child will experience active indoor and outdoor play, music, movement and creative expression, positive adult-child interactions and use their whole body and mind to be absorbed in learning.

One of the greatest benefits of play is to assist with the development of social competence. Children can build relationships, learn to resolve conflicts, negotiate and regulate their behaviours. In play, children usually have increased feelings of success and optimism as they act as their own agents and make their own choices. Playing is a known stress release; it is often linked to child wellbeing.The dispositions for learning, such as curiosity, openness, optimism, resilience, concentration, and creativity are developed in play. Playing is linked to the development of resilience and the beginnings of empathy as children begin to understand other points of view.

All Warrnambool City Council kindergartens have achieved an exceeding rating in relation to the National Quality standards, a comprehensive set of measures which guide families in identifying quality approved education and child care services across the country.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden ProgramAll of our kindergartens participate in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. This program aims to help children form positive food habits for life. The program provides the inspiration, information, professional learning and support for our kindergarten educators to deliver pleasurable food education, in conjunction with parents and the wider community.Research shows that fun has a powerful and positive impact on learning. When children are relaxed, happy and engaged, their senses are on full alert and their brains are perfectly primed to absorb the learning opportunities that surround them.

Kindergarten Fact sheet NO.5What happens in our Kindergartens?

Through active engagement, your child will learn how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal, delicious food throughout their time at kindergarten. Pleasurable food education is about children experiencing the joy of digging in the garden, picking fresh veggies, smelling and tasting the food they prepare, and sharing the experience with their friends, educators and family.

Healthy Achievement ProgramThe aim of this program is to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, children and families by embedding experiences that support and encourage lifelong healthy habits. This is done through the service policies and procedures, professional development and support for staff, information for families and actively engaging children, families and staff in experiences that establish healthy habits for a lifetime of good health.The program addresses 6 areas of health priority;• Healthy Eating and Oral Health – a healthy diet and

good oral health are integral to children’s growth and development.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing – supporting children’s mental health and helping them to develop resilience is vital to their overall wellbeing.

• Physical Activity – Engaging children in active play provides a range of physical, emotional and social benefits as well as being a natural way children learn.

• Safe Environments – an inclusive, empowering and 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.

Be You ProgramBe You is a mental health and wellbeing initiative for children. It works with early childhood education and care services to support the mental health and wellbeing of young children, their families and early childhood educators using a promotion, prevention and early intervention framework. Our Kindergartens are registered in this program to provide our educators with information and support to understand mental health and wellbeing issues in young children and their families and to help them embed experiences that develop resilience and wellbeing into their programs.

Indigenous Language ProgramIn 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) – CockatooBeamish – Weengkeel (we-eng-keel) – KoalaCentral – Kiri (ki-ri) – Magpie & Koorramook (ko-or-ra-mook ) – PossumCity - Koorramook (ko-or-ra-mook ) – PossumKiri (ki-ri) – MagpieDennington – Kuyang (koo-yang) – EelEast – Weelengkeel (wee-lang-keel) – Echidna - Koorrayn (ko-or-ra-yun) - KangarooFlorence Collins - Weengkeel (we-eng-keel) – KoalaLions Hopkins - Kuyang (koo-yang) – EelMahogany - Koorramook (ko-or-ra-mook ) – PossumMatron Swinton - Koorramook (ko-or-ra-mook ) – PossumSherwood Park - Weengkeel (we-eng-keel) – KoalaSouth – Kart Prirap (kart-pi-rap) – Pelican & Kiri (ki-ri) - Magpie

Nature KindergartenWhat 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 CardPensioner Concession CardDepartment of Veteran’s Affairs Gold or White cardEligible 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/mchappThe Maternal and Child Health App is free and makes it easy to find trusted information.

Koorie Kids Shine atKindergarten

Outside Flap Panel: 98mm

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.

Enrol todayTo find out more about kindergarten, visit:

www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/kindergarten/pages/aboriginal.aspx

or contact:

Warrnambool City Assist25 Liebig Street, Warrnambool 3280Ph: 5559 4800Email:childandfamily@warrnambool.vic.gov.au

What is kindergarten?Kindergarten is a program where your

child can have fun and learn through play

and activities. Your child can socialise with

other children, develop confidence, and

build reading, writing and maths skills to

help them get ready for school.

Kindergarten programs have a qualified

teacher and run for 15 hours per week.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

children can go to kindergarten for the two

years before school through the Early Start

Kindergarten grant.

How much does kindergarten cost?Free kindergarten

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

can go to 15 hours free kindergarten per week.

When attending a long day care setting, there

might be some costs for any additional hours

above the 15 hours of free kindergarten.

Families might also be able to receive

Commonwealth Government subsidies. For

information about these subsidies, please

contact Centrelink.

What happens at kindergarten?At kindergarten, your child can:

• learn through play, art, music

and dance

• learn to express themselves in a safe,

inclusive and caring environment

• build skills and confidence to

prepare them for school.

I sent my children to kinder

because I wanted them to be

ready for school. Kinder made

them smart, proud, strong and

resilient. Now they’re sending

their children too.

Aunty Esme

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What does the Program Involve?The Department of Education and Training (DET) supports natural environments that are beneficial to improving children’s health and wellbeing. Children will be educated through a variety of naturally safe materials including leaves, sticks, branches, dirt, mud, sand, trees and grass whilst understanding and respecting the natural environment.

What 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.

Children advance from using natural materials and exploring natural systems in many ways including: • Increased Creativity and Problem Solving • Increased Emotional and Social Resilience• Improved Cognitive abilities• Increased physical performance and

coordination• Improved self – discipline• Reduced stress and anxiety

Where will Nature Kinder be provided?Nature Kinder will be provided on specific sites around the Warrnambool District that have been risk assessed and will include bush, beach, rock pools, gardens and parks. Visits will occur on aregular basis.

Contact us:Web:

www.warrnambool.vic.gov.auCall:

03 5559 4747Post To:

PO Box 198Warrnambool VIC 3280

Fax:03 5559 4900

Email: childandfamily@warrnambool.vic.gov.au

Interpreter service available

ABN 44 594 264 321

Supporting 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

Children go to a kindergarten program in the year before starting school, usually when they are four years old. Some services also offer kindergarten programs for three-year-olds.

The Choosing a kindergarten program information sheet has advice about choosing the best time for your child to start kindergarten.

What is kindergarten?Kindergarten (also called preschool) is a program for young children delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher.

Why should my child go to kindergarten?Kindergarten is an important step for young children and is strongly recommended for all children.

Research shows that kindergarten improves children’s health and wellbeing, helps them to develop strong social skills and encourages a love of learning.

Children who go to a kindergarten program are more independent and confident and are more likely to make a smooth transition to primary school (Prep).

What happens at a kindergarten?A high-quality kindergarten program will offer your child a range of learning experiences and activities that are both stimulating and fun. Your child’s learning and curiosity will be encouraged through experiences and activities, such as exploring the natural world, being exposed to new ideas and solving problems.

Your child will be able to:

• learn to work with others and make friends through group activities and cooperative play

• express their creativity, for example, through dance, movement and art

• build their communication skills by listening to and having conversations with the educators and other children

• develop the skills that they need for reading, writing and mathematics.

Where can I find a kindergarten?Some kindergartens run as stand-alone services (for example, community kindergartens). Other kindergarten programs are run through long day care centres or schools.

To find a kindergarten program in your local area (or area of choice) visit www.education.vic.gov.au/findaservice/Home.aspx or contact your local council, which you can find by visiting www.dtpli.vic.gov.au

The Choosing a kindergarten program information sheet has advice about choosing a kindergarten program that suits your family.

All children can attend kindergartenKindergarten is for all children. If your child has a disability or learning difficulty, the educators will talk with you about how the program and environment can support your child.

If you need support to enrol your child in a kindergarten program or to find a program that suits your family contact your local council.

Go to page 2 for information about subsidies.

How much does kindergarten cost?The Victorian Government provides funding to services to contribute to the cost of running a funded kindergarten program, which helps keep fees for four-year-old kindergarten as low as possible.

Look for this certificate, which shows that a kindergarten program receives funding from the Victorian Government and is delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher.

Services that offer kindergarten programs often charge fees to help meet the cost of running the programs. Fees are set by individual services and can vary depending on how many hours your child attends, group size and extra costs such as excursions.

Prepared by: Department of Education and Training 2, Treasury Place, East Melbourne Melbourne 3002© State of Victoria August 2015

How many hours a week can my child go to kindergarten?Most four-year-old kindergarten programs are offered for 15 hours a week.

Free or low cost kindergarten for children in the year before schoolThe Victorian Government subsidises fees for some children so they can attend kindergarten for free or at low cost in the year before they start primary school, usually when they are four years old.

Your child is eligible if they:

• are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

• are a triplet or quadruplet

• hold (or have a parent or guardian who holds) an eligible concession card or refugee, humanitarian or asylum seeker visa.

Ask your child’s kindergarten educator or service manager if you think your child may be eligible for a fee subsidy.

Free kindergarten for three-year-oldsThe Victorian Government subsidises fees for some children so they can attend kindergarten for free two years before they start primary school, usually when they are three years old.

Your child is eligible to attend free kindergarten if they are at least three years old by 30 April and:

• are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or

• are known to Child Protection, or referred by Child Protection to Child FIRST.

If your child has had a free program two years before school, they can attend a four-year-old program the next year for free or at low cost.

Ask your child’s kindergarten educator or service manager for more information about free kindergarten programs for three-year-olds.

Do you need an interpreter?The Victorian Government provides a free interpreter service for families attending funded kindergarten programs. Ask your child’s kindergarten educator or service manager to call the free interpreter service.

Related linksChoosing a kindergarten program – This information sheet has advice about choosing a kindergarten program – that suits your family and choosing the best time for your child to start kindergarten.

Free or low cost kindergarten – www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/kindergarten/Pages/fees.aspx

Free kindergarten for three year-olds – www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/kindergarten/Pages/earlystart.aspx

Choosing a kindergarten program

Finding a kindergarten programEvery family is different. This means the kindergarten program you choose should be a good fit with your child and family.

To find kindergarten programs in your local area (or area of choice) visit www.education.vic.gov.au/findaservice/Home.aspx or contact your local council, which you can find by visiting www.dtpli.vic.gov.au

It’s a good idea to start looking for a kindergarten program early, as enrolment processes vary across Victoria. Some services accept applications when children turn two.

Once you have a shortlist of kindergarten programs, contact the services to find out if they are holding open days or information sessions, or make an appointment to visit.

This is a great way to get a ‘feel’ for each program, to ask questions and to share information about your child. You can also find out about the days and times the kindergarten program runs, how to enrol your child and any fees charged and subsidies available.

Visit more than one program if you can. Try not to rely only on what other families say.

Kindergarten (also called preschool) is a program for young children delivered by a qualified early childhood educator, usually in the year before school.

Kindergarten is an important step for young children and is strongly recommended for all children.

Kindergarten improves children’s health and wellbeing, helps them to develop confidence and social skills.

What to look for when you visit a service• Were you made to feel welcome?

High-quality kindergarten programs are based on a partnership between families and educators. Did the educators ask questions about your child and your family? Were the educators interested in your questions and concerns?

• If your child was with you, did the educators engage directly with your child (rather than speaking to your child through you)?

• Are there a variety of fun and challenging learning opportunities that celebrate the cultures of the children who use the service?

• Do the indoor and outdoor areas offer the children stimulating learning experiences – for example, the opportunity to explore and discover new things? Is there space for the children to play with others or alone? Are there spaces where children can go to be quiet?

Have your questions ready• How will the educators work with

you to support your child’s learning?

• How will the educators include your child’s interests?

• What opportunities will there be to discuss your child’s progress?

• If your child has additional needs, how will the service support you and your child?

• How does the program encourage positive behaviour?

• What will happen if your child becomes unwell or upset?

• Does the service have a kindergarten certificate on display? This certificate shows that a kindergarten program receives funding from the Victorian Government and is taught by a qualified early childhood teacher.

• What is the service’s rating against the National Quality Standard (part of an Australia-wide quality system of education and care services)? Can you see the written assessment?

• Is there a waiting list for places? Do you need to pay a deposit to enrol or to be put on the waiting list? Tell the service if you are not able to pay the deposit.

How old should my child be when they start kindergarten?It is usual for children to attend a kindergarten program in the year before they start primary school. This is often called ‘four-year-old kindergarten’.

Your child can start school if they turn five years old by 30 April of the year they start school. Your child must be enrolled in school by the age of six, unless they have an exemption. So, if your child’s birthday falls before 30 April in the calendar year, you have a choice about whether to enrol your child in school in the year they turn five or the next year. Children learn at different rates, in different ways, and at different times. In some cases, your child may benefit from starting a kindergarten program later.

Where can I get advice on the best time to start kindergarten?If you are unsure about the best time for your child to start a kindergarten program, ask a kindergarten educator for advice. Find out how the kindergarten program can support your child.

Meet with the principal or a teacher at the school that your child is likely to attend. Talk about the best time for your child to start Prep. Find out how the Prep program can support your child.

As well, you can talk with your child’s Maternal and Child Health nurse, family doctor and any other professionals your child sees (for example, Speech Therapist, Physiotherapist or Paediatrician).

Can my child go to kindergarten for more than one year?Children who are:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or

• known to Child Protection, or referred by Child Protection to Child FIRST

can go to kindergarten for free or at low cost for two years before they start primary school, usually starting when they are three years old.

Some children with developmental delays who complete four-year-old kindergarten may benefit from completing a second year of funded kindergarten before going on to school.

Talk to a kindergarten educator if you would like to know more about these options.

Do you need an interpreter?The Victorian Government provides a free interpreter service for families attending funded kindergarten programs. Ask your child’s kindergarten educator or service manager to call the free interpreter service.

Related linksAbout kindergarten – this information sheet has details about kindergarten programs, fees and subsidies.

Free kindergarten for three-year-old – www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/kindergarten/Pages/fees.aspx

Second year of kindergarten for children with developmental delays– www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/kindergarten/Pages/secondyear.aspx

Prepared by: Department of Education and Training 2, Treasury Place, East Melbourne Melbourne 3002© State of Victoria August 2015

KINDERGARTEN 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 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 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.

Sherwood Park Weengkeel

Florence Collins Weengkeel