When can my child start kindergarten?

Children born between January and April

In line with school starting age, families with children born between January and April will have the choice of which year their child commences kindergarten. This means for three year old kindergarten, a child may attend as a younger child, two turning three years old or as an older child, three turning four years old. This then follows on to four year old kindergarten and Primary School.

Your decision can be critical with long reaching implications for your child. You may also wish to speak with kindergarten educators, your maternal and child health nurse or the Preschool Field Officer.

Children are only eligible for one year of 3-year-old kindergarten and one year of 4-year-old kindergarten. It is recommended to consider what age you
would like your child to commence Primary School and work backward.

You may also be contacted by Council or a Preschool Field Officer to discuss the options available.

Early Start Kinder

Early Start Kindergarten enables eligible 3 year old children to access a preschool program, for up to 15 hours per week.

To be eligible for Early Start Kindergarten children must be:

• aged three years by 30 April in the year that they attend preschool, and
• an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, or
• known to Child Protection (including children referred from Child Protection to Child FIRST).

Two years of preschool provides an important start for children. It helps with the development of language, social interactions and self confidence. Preschool also helps to prepare children for success at school later in life.