We offer a number of programs and services to support your child’s early years learning.
Preschool
At Ardtornish, we refer to our preschool program as kindy.
When your child can start preschool
Your child is entitled to access 4 terms (1 year) of government preschool in the year before they start school.
We are introducing a mid-year intake into preschool. This means from 2023 children who turn 4:
- before 1 May are eligible to start preschool at the beginning of the year.
- on 1 May to 31 October can start preschool through the mid-year intake at the beginning of term 3 of that year.
Regardless of whether your child starts at the beginning of the year, or through a mid-year intake they will undertake 4 terms of preschool.
If your child turns 4 after 31 October they can start preschool at the beginning of the following year.
If you are uncertain about the best time for your child to start preschool or feel your child may benefit from starting preschool later, please talk to us about your options.
If your child is Aboriginal or under guardianship (in care) they are eligible for 12 hours of preschool after they turn 3. They will then be eligible for 15 hours per week of preschool in the year before they start school.
Early entry
If you have a child with disability or additional needs, they might be able to start preschool earlier if there are places available. Talk to us if this applies to you. Being given early entry to preschool does not guarantee early entry to school.
Enrolling your child
You can register your interest to enrol your child in our Kindy program by using the preschool registration of interest form. Please contact us if you would like a paper copy of this form.
Priority will be given to children living in our catchment area. If you don’t live in our catchment area you should indicate at least 2 other preschool options on your form.
If we can give your child a place with us we’ll send you an offer letter. You can accept the offer by filling in and sending back the acceptance slip by the due date.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.
The parent contribution is $610 per year. You can pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay in instalments of $210, then two of $200 over the first 3 terms.
Other ways to pay can be negotiated with our director.
When to pay
We will invoice you in week 1 via email.
Payments are due in week 4 of terms 1, 2 and 3.
Please contact us if you need to discuss a payment plan.
How to pay
You can pay by cash at the Centre. Please put the payment in a sealed envelope with your child’s full name, the amount, and the words 'kindy fees' on the front. Put the envelope in the green payments box in the foyer.
You can also pay via direct deposit or Qkr. Please see your invoice for details.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 30 hours per fortnight. We currently run sessions Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 3.00pm, with children attending a regular 5-day per fortnight pattern.
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- kindy bag
- hat (legionnaire's or broad brimmed, no neck cord)
- change of clothes and a waterproof bag
- water bottle
- 2 healthy snacks
- a healthy lunch
- sunscreen.
Please ensure your child’s name is on all their belongings, including their bag.
Please make sure they are wearing sunscreen when they arrive and we will help them re-apply it throughout the day. See our sun safety policy (PDF 551KB).
Your child will sometimes get messy and dirty at kindy. Please dress them in clothes that are suitable. Kindy t-shirts, jumpers and hats are available from EduThreads.
For your child's safety, thongs and slip-on shoes are not appropriate. Please make sure your child arrives wearing suitable shoes such as sandals or sneakers so that they can move safely throughout the space.
See our healthy eating policy (PDF 181KB) for information on what to pack for lunches and snacks.
What not to bring
Please do not bring these things to kindy:
- unhealthy food or drink (lollies, chocolate, chips, fizzy drinks)
- toys from home
- lip gloss, cosmetics, creams
- smart watches, unless for medical needs
- personal sanitiser.
We ask that birthday cakes and treats are not brought in.
Additional information
Please read our drop-off and pick-up procedure (PDF 423KB).
Occasional Care
Occasional care is for children under kindy age who are not enrolled in any other early childhood education and care programs, such as preschool, childcare or family day care. It promotes young children’s development by giving them access to high-quality early childhood education.
It may help parents to take part in a range of activities including non-work and casual work commitments.
Priority of access
The Department for Education has a priority of access policy to decide who can access occasional care. This might mean that some families get more sessions than others.
Talk to us about enrolling in occasional care.
Cost
This program costs $5 per session and $2.50 for siblings.
If you have an Australian Government Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card, the cost is $1.50 per session and 75 cents for siblings.
Occasional care session times
Children generally can attend 1 session a week. When they enrol, families choose their preferred day and book the first session. When they come to a session they can then book the next one.
Children under 2 years old
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | 8:30am to 11:30am | 8:30am to 11:30am | - |
Children over 2 years old-
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.30am to 11.30am | 8.30am to 11.30am | 8.30am to 11.30am | 8.30am to 11.30am | - |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, cord-free hat
- change of clothes and waterproof bag
- nappies and wipes if needed
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack
- bottle and pacifier if needed.
Please ensure your child’s name is on all their belongings, including their bag.
Please make sure your child is wearing sunscreen when they arrive. See our sun safety policy (PDF 551KB).
Playgroup
**Bookings essential**
Playgroup is for children walking age to 4 years, and their parent or caregiver.
It is held each Wednesday during the school term, from 9.30am to 11.00am.
Playgroup is an opportunity to meet other families and caregivers in a relaxed setting, to make new friends and to enjoy playing and learning together with your child.
Please bring a hat and a drink bottle for yourself and your child. You may also like to pack a snack, and a change of clothes is always a good idea!
Playgroup is free to attend but bookings are essential. For more information or to book your place, please phone 8264 9828 or email dl.4668.leaders@schools.sa.edu.au.