Enrolment and fees - Mount Barker Kindergarten

Enrolment and fees

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

If you would like your child to attend Mount Barker Kindergarten, please contact us by phone or email so we can begin the registration of interest process. You will receive a letter of offer prior to your child’s starting date. Once you have accepted this offer you will be contacted to either collect or be sent an information and enrolment package.

Catchment Areas

Children in our kindergarten catchment area are automatically eligible for a space. Children who are outside our catchment area can nominate our kindergarten as their preferred kindergarten and if there is space, will be made an offer.

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.

Fees

We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.

The parent contribution is $150 per term.

We offer other programs that may have an additional cost.

When to pay

We send invoices via your child’s communication pocket, usually in the second week of term.

Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.

How to pay

You can pay by cash or bank transfer. If you are paying by cash, please use a sealed envelope with your child’s name on the front. Give the envelope directly to a staff member.

EFT information

BSB: 105025

Account number: 046735840

Account name: Mt Barker Kindergarten Inc.

Please put your child’s name in the notes as the reference.

Immunisations

When you enrol your child you will be asked to provide evidence of their immunisation status.