We offer a number of programs and services to support your child’s early years learning.
Preschool
We invite you to join the governing council, which meets twice a term to make sure the centre runs smoothly. Read through what a governing council does and speak to us to register your interest.
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.
Try to register your interest by 30 June, but you can do this any time during the year.
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
We will contact you about an orientation session. This will be a 1-hour session where you can ask questions.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.
The parent contribution is $440 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay instalments of $110 each term.
You are welcome to discuss payment options with us.
When to pay
Families will be invoiced by email at the start of each term. Prompt payment is appreciated.
Please contact us if you have difficulty paying.
How to pay
Cash or EFTPOS
You can pay cash or via EFTPOS at our front reception desk.
EFT information
You can pay by direct deposit.
Account name: Elsie Ey Kindergarten Inc.
BSB: 105009
Account number: 065025040
Please put your child’s full name as the reference.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 30 hours per fortnight. Your child will be assigned to a group when they enrol.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30am to 3.10pm | 8:30am to 3.10pm | 8:30am to 11:50am fortnightly | – | – |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | 8:30am to 11:50am fortnightly | 8:30am to 3.10pm | 8:30am to 3.10pm |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack
- packed lunch.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
What not to bring
Children should not bring these things:
- unhealthy food or drink (lollies, chocolate, chips, fizzy drinks)
- toys from home
- technology devices (tablets).
We don't have bans on healthy food groups but we do have children with food allergies. We will tell you if you need to take any precautions with the food you pack.
Inclusive preschool program
Inclusive preschool programs (IPP) support children with disability and high support needs to optimise their learning outcomes within a localised preschool setting.
The programs provide families with a preschool education option for their child that is both local and has specialised educational expertise. This procedure describes the process for request, investigation, recommendation and enrolment for children with disability in IPPs.
Cost
The parent contribution is $440 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay instalments of $110 each term.
You are welcome to discuss payment options with us.
Times
Your child can attend IPP for up to 30 hours per fortnight. Your child will be assigned to a group when they enrol.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30am to 3.10pm | 8:30am to 3.10pm | 8:30am to 11:50am fortnightly | – | – |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | 8:30am to 11:50am fortnightly | 8:30am to 3.10pm | 8:30am to 3.10pm |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack
- packed lunch.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
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.
We run various playgroups throughout the term. Please contact us on 8522 1900 to find out which playgroups are available. All playgroups are free to attend.
Learning together
Being involved in your child’s learning makes a positive difference. Read about this program and how it can help your family.
Learning together groups are held each term. Contact us on 8522 1900 to find out which groups are available.