Registrations for 2023 kindergarten are now open

Children who attend educational play-based kindergarten develop lifelong skills that build their confidence, enhance their social and language skills, expand their physical abilities and prepares them for schooling.

Did you know that in Cardinia Shire, children can access two years of funded kindergarten prior to commencing school?  If your child turns 3 years of age by 30 April 2023, they are eligible to attend their 1st year of a funded kindergarten program (3-year-old kindergarten). If your child turns 4 years of age by 30 April 2023, they are eligible to attend their 2nd year of a funded kindergarten program (4-year-old kindergarten).

Cardinia Shire Council provides a central registration portal for both years of kindergarten programs offered in Council facilities.

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Jeff Springfield said, “Kindergarten is an essential part of social and personal development for children. It helps to develop language skills, problem solving abilities and self-confidence."

“Research shows that quality early education leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life, so we’d love to see local families enrol their children in kindergarten in Cardinia Shire.”

1st year of funded kindergarten (3-year-old kindergarten)

The 1st year of kindergarten is partially funded by the Victorian Government for a minimum of 5-hours per week. Children must be 3 years-old on or before 30 April in the year they wish to start kindergarten.

Children must be 3 years of age before they can start their first day of kindergarten. Children who turn 3 between 1 January and 30 April will have their kindergarten place held until they turn 3.

Offers for 2023 places for 3-year-old kindergarten will be sent to parents and carers from September 2022.

2nd year of funded kindergarten (4-year-old kindergarten)

The 2nd year of kindergarten is partially funded by the Government, providing 15-hours per week of early years education for every child. Children must be 4 years-old on or before 30 April in the year they wish to start kindergarten.

Offers for 2023 places for 4-year-old kindergarten will be sent to parents and carers from August 2022.

Registrations

Register online using Council’s Online Kindergarten Registration Portal.

Registrations received by 30 June 2022 will be included in first round offers.

Registrations received after 30 June 2022 will be processed in second, and later, offer rounds.

For more information about kindergarten registration, visit Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/kindergarten or call 1300 787 624