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 enrolment registration form (PDF 923KB). 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 ($30) and jumpers ($35) 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 program on Tuesdays and Thursdays 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.
All playgroups are free. A donation tin is provided if you would like to make a gold coin donation at any time when attending our programs.
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 the term (except the last Friday of each term).
Song Time & Stay and Chat
Our music-based song time playgroup helps young children to develop sound awareness and extend their learning. Parents, carers and siblings are welcome.
Time
Mondays at 'The Hub' (Port Lincoln Gardens Primary School, 31b Barley Road)
10am - 10.30am then 10.30 - 11am Stay and Chat
Thursdays at Kirton Point Children's Centre
10.30am - 11am then 11am - 11.30am Stay and Chat
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
10.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesdays during term time.
Let's Talk
A free playgroup and parent information program providing tips for supporting late talkers. Children aged 18months - 3 years.
This is a closed group and bookings are essential.
Time
10am - 11.30am Mondays during term time.
Multiple Births Group
A family group for parents with twins, triplets and more!
Time
9.30am - 10.30am on the first Wednesday of the month during term time.
Baby and You
A free playgroup for 0-12months. Provides opportunity for social connection and information on child development.
Time
10am - 11.30am Wednesdays during term time.
Linc 'N' Play
A free playgroup for all families with children aged birth to 5 years.
This playgroup is held at the Kirton Point Primary School, Performing Arts Centre
Time
12.30pm - 2.00pm Wednesdays during term time.
Learning Together Communities
Being involved in your child’s learning makes a positive difference. Read about this program and how it can help your family.
Learning Together Educator
Our Learning Together Educator offers a variety of universal playgroups.
Working together with families to find the right solution that will support your child's learning through play.