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
All children are entitled to access at least 1 year of preschool. If your child turns 4 before 1 May, they can start preschool at the beginning of the year.
If your child turns 4 on or after 1 May, they can start the next year. If you want to delay your child’s start to preschool or you’re not sure about when they should start, 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
Your child may be able to come to preschool up to 2 terms earlier if they:
- have additional needs or disability
- are learning English as an additional language or dialect
- are at significant risk because of family circumstances.
Early entry is for up to 3 hours per week in the first term, and up to 6 hours per week in the second term, if places are available.
Access is decided on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you want more information about early entry.
Enrolling your child
You can register your interest to enrol your child with us by using the preschool enrolment registration form (PDF 42KB). 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 is 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.
Priority is also given if your child has significant additional needs and may need support with their learning. Find out more about our inclusive preschool program.
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 in term 3 about an information session. During this you will be given a tour, can ask questions and return required paperwork.
Before they start preschool your child can come to pre-entry transition visits. These will be in term 4 and will be a chance for your child to meet our staff and other children.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.
The parent contribution is $400 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or to pay instalments of $100 each term.
In term 1 there is an additional $8 fee for a Kirton Point Children's Centre (KPCC) hat.
When to pay
We will invoice you at the start of each term via your child's communication pocket.
Payments are due in week 4 of each term, or by the end of term 1 if you are paying for the full year.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
Cash, cheque or EFTPOS
You can pay by cash, cheque or EFTPOS at our centre.
EFT information
You can pay by direct deposit.
BSB: 065508
Account number: 10009724
Please put your child’s full name as the reference.
Centrepay
If you receive Centrelink payments, we can arrange payment using Centrepay. Forms are available from us.
Times
Your child can attend preschool an average of 15 hours per week. Children can come for 5 days over 2 weeks, as part of either the Galda or the Mili group.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
8.30am to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 3.15pm | – | – | 8.30am to 3.15pm 9 Fridays of the year |
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
– | – | 8.30am to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 3.15pm 9 Fridays of the year |
Inclusive preschool program
Our inclusive preschool program (IPP) supports children with significant additional needs. This is a modified preschool program with intensive support from specialised teachers and early childhood workers.
Children must be referred and meet specific criteria to enrol in the program.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
8.45am to 3.15pm | 8.45am to 3.15pm | 8.45am to 12.45pm odd weeks | – | – |
What to bring
Children need to bring these items each day:
- bag
- change of clothes, and nappies or pull-ups (if needed)
- drink bottle containing water
- snack (a piece of fruit, vegetable or cheese)
- healthy lunch (PDF 593KB).
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings. Your child's KPCC hat will remain at the centre for the year.
Dress your child in clothing that you don't mind getting dirty, as preschool can get messy. Clothing must be sun smart (PDF 39KB) and cover shoulders, with easy fastenings so they can go to the toilet by themselves. Their shoes should be suitable for running and climbing (no thongs or crocs).
We have KPCC t-shirts ($25) and jumpers ($30) available to buy if you would like one or more for your child.
What not to bring
Children should not bring these things:
- food containing nuts (some children have nut allergies that can be dangerous)
- unhealthy food or drink (lollies, chocolate, chips, fizzy drinks)
- toys or special items from home.
Additional information
Please read our drop off and pick up policy (PDF 50KB).
We have a kid’s café on Mondays and Wednesdays during term, 8.45am to 9.30am. Preschool children are rostered each week to serve light refreshments, and parents and families are invited to attend.
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, 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 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.
Times
Children generally can go to 1 session a week.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
– | – | – | 8.30am to 11.30am or 12.15pm to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 11.30am |
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
– | – | – | 8.30am to 11.30am or 12.15pm to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 11.30am |
Cost
This program costs $5 per session and $2.50 for siblings. Please pay when you drop off your child.
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:
- bag
- hat
- change of clothes
- nappies and wipes (if required)
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
Playgroups
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.
For our community playgroup, a $2 donation per family is appreciated. All other playgroups are free.
Community playgroup
Families with children from birth to 5 years old can discover, create and imagine through play. We encourage parents and children to help pack up at the end of the session.
Time
9.30am to 11.00am on Fridays during term.
Intergenerational playgroup
A fun interactive playgroup for children from birth to 5 years old and their parents, caregivers or grandparents, held at Matthew Flinders Aged Care, Oxford Terrace.
Time
10.15am to 11.15am on Mondays during term. (On hold due to COVID 19 restrictions)
Song time
Our music-based song time playgroup helps young children to develop sound awareness and extend their learning. Parents, carers and siblings are welcome.
Time
9.30am to 10.00am on Mondays and 10.00am to 10.30am on Thursdays during term.
Nunga playgroup
We welcome Aboriginal families with children under school age to our Nunga playgroup. We provide lunch, and transport is available if needed.
Time
11.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays during term.
Multicultural Playgroup
A playgroup for multicultural families with children aged 0 - 5, with a focus on supporting bilingualism.
Time
1.30pm - 2.30pm on Mondays during term.
Mums and Bubs
A closed group run in collaboration with the Transitional Learning Centre to support younger parents engagement in early childhood services
Time
12.30pm - 2.30pm on Thursdays during term.
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 at Home
Our Learning Together at Home field worker visits eligible families at home who may need a little extra support. Our field worker can work with your family to:
- set goals for your child’s learning
- support you and your child to play and learn together
- connect you with other early childhood services.