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.

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.

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.