Kindergarten

The Central Enrolment Service aims to provide children in the Bayside area with equal access to high quality preschool education.

There are also 17 other funded kindergarten programs in Bayside who do not participate in the Central Enrolment Service.

Registration

The enrolment period for 2010 commences on 1 May 2009 and closes on 30 June 2009.

All registrations received after 30 June 2009 will be placed on a waiting list. 

No registrations will be accepted after 22 August 2009.

To register for a kindergarten placement in 2010:

• complete the 2010 Kindergarten Enrolment Form
• read the Kindergarten Enrolment Information Sheet 

Altering registrations

If you need to make an amendment to your original registration (such as changing preferences, contact details, name, enrolment or cancellation), please complete and return the Alteration to Kindergarten Central Enrolment Form.

How to choose a kindergarten

As some kindergartens can be oversubscribed, you are advised to visit as many kindergartens in your area as possible and decide which best suits your child's needs. 

Remember, there is a benefit in choosing a kindergarten close to you, as proximity is one of the weighted criteria.

You may choose a first and second preference kindergarten. 

However, remember nominated preferences do not guarantee a place.

Kindergarten session times

View the Kindergarten Session Times for 2009.

Kindergarten vacancies for 2009

Vacancies for three year old:

• Livingston Kindergarten: contact the kindergarten on 9555 8328
• Brighton Baptist Kindergarten: 3 vacancies in Possum Group, contact Angela on 0419 678 300

Vacancies for four year old:

• Hampton Child Care Centre - vacancy on Thursday, contact Lisa on 9521 6422
• Hampton Community Kindergarten: contact Tarsh on 0448 548 536
• Janet Mundy Kindergarten: contact Anne on 9533 5768
• Livingston Kindergarten: contact the kindergarten on 9555 8328
• East Beaumaris Kindergarten: contact enrolments on 0415 511 405
• St Mary's Kindergarten: contact Michelle on 0416 415 126
• Nagle Kindergarten: vacancy in Blue Group, contact Libby on 9521 9137
• Olive Phillips Kindergarten: 2 vacancies in Red Group, contact Sharina on 9583 3232

Kindergarten / school readiness

Many parents are faced with the dilemma of deciding when their child is ready for kindergarten or school.  In Victoria, the State Government provides funding for four-year-old children to attend kindergarten during the year before commencing school.  Kindergarten for three-year-old children is not funded by the government and many professionals believe that children are not disadvantaged if they do not attend three-year-old kindergarten.

Beginning kindergarten or school is a major step in the milestones for eduction and learning for young children and their families.  Most children will spend at least 13 years in the education system so remember, it is not a race to complete school.  Many families are choosing to wait until their children turn six years old before sending them to school.

Legally, children must be five years old by 30 April of the year they are commencing school. They may commence school in the year they turn six.

Readiness for kindergarten or school does not reflect on parenting styles or the intelligence of the child.

If a child is not ready for kindergarten or school and is enrolled with the intention of repeating the year, this may lead to a negative experience and subsequently a loss of self-esteem.

If you would like more information, you can download Kindergarten / School Readiness brochure.

If you have any other kindergarten related enquiries, please contact Bayside City Council's Kindergarten Liaison Officer, Gay Sherry, on 9599 4444.