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 in term 3 about an orientation session. This will be a 1.5-hour session where you can ask questions.
Before they start preschool your child can come to pre-entry transition visits. These will be in November 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 $260 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or to pay instalments of $65 each term.
When to pay
We will invoice you at the start of each term via your child's communication pocket.
Payments are due by week 3 each term.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
Cash or cheque
You can pay cash, cheque or EFTPOS at the kindy or school. Please make payment to the receptionist in the foyer of our centre or at the Lake Windemere B-7 school front office.
EFT information
You can pay by direct deposit.
BSB: 065122
Account number: 11092397
Please use your child’s name as the reference.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.45am to 2.45pm | – | 8.45am to 2.45pm | 8.45am to 11.45am | – |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | 8.45am to 2.45pm | – | 12 noon to 3.00pm | 8.45am to 2.45pm |
What to bring
Children need to bring these items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed hat
- change of clothes (all clothing must meet the standards of our SunSmart policy (PDF 249KB)
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack
- packed lunch.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
Please apply sunscreen to your child before coming to preschool.
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 from home.
Additional information
We offer an intensive speech and language program. This program provides a high level of support to children with severe specific speech or language impairments, helping them to reach their individual goals within a preschool setting. Through this program we will work with each family to strengthen their child's communication and social interaction skills.
To participate in the program, eligible children must be referred to our intake panel by a speech pathologist. The panel meet on a regular basis to consider referrals, placements and program vacancies.
Please read our drop-off and pick-up procedure (PDF 221KB).
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.
Occasional care session times
Children generally can go to 1 session a week.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.45am to 11.45am | – | – | 8.45am to 11.45am | – |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.45am to 11.45am | 8.45am to 11.45am | – | 8.45am to 11.45am or 12 noon to 3.00pm | – |
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
- broad-brimmed hat
- change of clothes (all clothing must meet the standards of our SunSmart policy (PDF 249KB)
- drink bottle containing water
- food as required
- milk bottles or baby's own cup (if required)
- enough disposable nappies to last their stay (if required)
- nappy rash cream in its original packaging (if required).
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
Please apply sunscreen to your child before coming to occasional care.
Learning Together
Being involved in your child’s learning makes a positive difference. Read about this program and how it can help your family.
Our Learning Together playgroups are for you and your child aged birth to 4 years.
Your child's brain grows rapidly in their first 3 years and what you do every day affects how your child develops and learns. Our Learning Together playgroup gives you time to sing, play, look, laugh, read, dance, learn, talk, explore, and enjoy with your child.
We also offer a Music and Movement group as part of our Learning Together program.
You do not need to book for any of our sessions.
Times
Music and Movement is on Mondays, 9.00am to 10.00am.
Learning Together is on Mondays, 10.00am to 11.45am (after Music and Movement) and Tuesdays, 9.00am to 11.00am.
Learning Together playgroups are only held during term time.
Cost
Free.
What to bring
Children need to bring these things:
- spare clothes
- nappies/ pull-ups and wet wipes for your child (if required)
- piece of fruit.
Additional information
Please contact Lesley Lewis on 0409 631 775 for further information.