We offer a number of programs and services to support your child’s early years learning.
Preschool
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 with us by using the preschool registration of interest form. This form is also available from us.
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 in term 3. You can accept the offer by filling in and sending back the acceptance slip by the due date.
Before your child starts
If you live in our catchment area, we will contact you in August with an offer of enrolment. If you live outside our catchment area, we will contact you in September with an offer of enrolment if we have spaces available.
We encourage you to attend our Friday morning playgroup sessions to familiarise your child with our centre. This will support their transition to preschool.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.
The parent contribution is $100 per term. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or to pay instalments each term.
When to pay
We will invoice you in the first few weeks of each term. We will put your invoices in your preschool parent pocket.
Payments are due within 4 weeks.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
In Person
You can pay at the school Front Office by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, or Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard only). The Front Office is open school days 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
BPoint
You can also pay online using BPoint.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week.
This will consist of 2 regular days of preschool each week.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15am - 3:45pm | 8:15am - 3:45pm | – | – | – |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | 8:15am - 3:45pm | 8:15am - 3:45pm | – |
What to bring
Children need to bring these items each day:
- bag
- hat
- change of clothes (including underwear and socks)
- drink bottle containing water
- morning and afternoon healthy snack
- packed lunch
- a rain jacket and gumboots (when wet).
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
What not to bring
Children should not bring these things:
- food containing nuts (some children have nut allergies that can be life-threatening)
- unhealthy food (lollies, chocolate, chips)
- seasoned crackers or biscuits
- juice, cordial, probiotic drinks, fizzy drinks
- toys from home.
Additional information
Out of school hours care
Children can attend out of school hours care (OSHC) at Cowandilla Primary School.
We will walk your child to OSHC at the end of the preschool day.
For more information and cost please contact the school.
Occasional care
Occasional care is for children under school age who aren’t in any other early childhood education and care programs, such as preschool, child care 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 education department has a priority of access policy to decide who can get into occasional care. This might mean that some families get more sessions than others.
Talk to us about enrolling in occasional care.
Occasional care session times
Children generally can go to 1 session a fortnight.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | 12.15pm to 3.15pm | – | 8.45am to 11.45am or 12.15pm to 3.15pm | – |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | 12.15pm to 3.15pm | – | 8.45am to 11.45am or 12.15pm to 3.15pm | – |
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.
What to bring
Children need to bring these items each day:
- bag
- sun hat (please apply sunscreen before session)
- change of clothes
- nappies and wipes if required
- drink bottle containing water
- a healthy snack (fruit or sandwich)
- a bottle with milk or formula (if required).
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
Additional information
Please read our occasional care brochure (PDF 2.2MB).
Playgroup
Playgroup is an interactive, fun opportunity for children and parents to play and learn together. Playgroups are usually supported by an early childhood professional who will give support, information and advice about children’s health, learning and development.
Baby Playgroup
A fortnightly playgroup for parents to engage with their babies 12 months and under.
Little Explorers Playgroup
A fun and messy playgroup for children birth to preschool age.
FunSPOT Playgroup
A targeted playgroup for children from birth to 3 years with developmental concerns. The group is coordinated by our occupational therapist and speech pathologist. Referral necessary.
Friday Playgroup
A fun playgroup for children from birth to 5 years who live in the West Torrens council area, held in the preschool building.
Many Cultures One Playgroup
A playgroup for for families with children 0-5 age who are newly arrived to Australia or have English as an additional language.
Literacy Playgroup
A small group program for families with children aged 2-3years to explore the enjoyment of reading and build on children's language skills through playing with words and sounds.
Additional information
Please refer to the relevant term program on our what's happening page or contact us on 8352 5346 for more information, including how to get a referral if required.
To book into any of these sessions, please contact the Children's Centre.