Registrations for 2024 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 prepare them for schooling.  

Kindergarten is free at Cardinia Shire’s community kindergartens, following the State Government’s announcement of the expansion of the Best Start Best Life program. 

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

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Tammy Radford said, “The changing landscape of early years education is a fantastic opportunity to offer our Cardinia Shire Council families a unique kindergarten experience, encompassing play-based, nurturing educational practices and experiences that help shape their future.” 

Three-year-old kindergarten 

If a child turns 3 years of age by 30 April 2024, they are eligible to attend their first year of a funded kindergarten program. This is funded by the Victorian and Federal Governments for a minimum of 5 hours per week. Currently, kindergartens across the Shire are offering between 5 to 15 hours per week.  

Offers for 2024 places for 3-year-old kindergarten will be sent to residents from September 2023. 

Four-year-old kindergarten 

If a child turns 4 years of age by 30 April 2024, they are eligible to attend their second year of a funded kindergarten program. This is funded by the Victorian and Federal Governments, providing 15 hours per week of early years education for every child.  

Offers for 2024 places for 4-year-old kindergarten will be sent to residents from August 2023. 

Registrations 

Register online using Council’s Central Registration Portal Online Kindergarten Registration Portal 

Registrations received from residents by 30 June 2023 will be included in first-round offers. 

Registrations received from residents after 30 June 2023 will be processed in second, and later, offer rounds.  

Registrations received from non-residents will be processed from mid-November 2023. 

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