2022 kindergarten expressions of interest open

Published on 04 June 2021

Expressions of interest for Gannawarra Shire Council's three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs for 2022 are now open.

To be eligible for four-year-old kindergarten, children must be turning four years of age before 30 April 2022; and to be eligible for three-year-old programs, children must be three years of age before 30 April 2022.

“Kindergarten marks the foundation in which children start to build their skills, values, and understanding of the world, making enrolment a pivotal step to starting your child on their educational pathway,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Council is pleased to currently provide three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs at Cohuna, Koondrook and Leitchville and looks forward to complementing the four-year-old kindergarten at Kerang’s Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre with a three-year-old program in 2022.”

Following the State Government commitment to fund kindergarten for three-year-old children, enrolment for 2022 has become even more accessible for parents and guardians, with support funding currently available to subsidised kindergarten programs for four-year-olds to become available to support families with children attending three-year-old kindergarten.

"It is important that early childhood education is available to all, and that our youngest residents can access quality services and facilities that support their learning and prepare them for schooling,” Mr O’Reilly said.

To assist with planning for next year, parents and guardians of children eligible for either program are encouraged to visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/enrolments or contact the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre to complete an Expression of Interest.

Information sessions for families looking to enrol their child in three-year-old kindergarten in 2022 will also be held in July across the Gannawarra.

“Council is pleased to host these sessions for parents, which will provide insight into why 3 year old Kindergarten is now being offered, and what is involved in submitting an enrolment and how to support your child starting kindergarten for the first time,” Mr O’Reilly said.

Information sessions will be held at the following locations:

Furthermore, Council is seeking family input into the structure of both three and four-year-old programs over the next two years.

A short survey will help Council plan its kindergarten programs and ensure where possible that it meets the needs of Gannawarra community.  This survey is located at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/kindergarden2022 and will be open until Wednesday, 30 June 2021.

For more information, please contact the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre on (03) 5452 1357 or visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/children