We offer a number of programs and services to support your child’s early years learning.
Preschool
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.
Fees
We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool.
The parent contribution is $300 per year. You can choose to pay the total amount at the beginning of the year or pay instalments of $75 each term.
When to pay
Invoices will be sent out during the term.
Payments are due annually or term-by-term basis.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
Payments can be made by cash, cheque or direct deposit. Instructions on how to pay will be in your invoice letter.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week..
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
---|---|---|---|---|
9:00am to 3:00pm | 9:00am to 3:00pm | 9:00am to 3:00pm (alternate, even weeks) |
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water.
- lunch box with lunch and fruit snack
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
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.
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: Over 2's / Under 2's
Session 1: 09:00am - 12:00pm
Wednesday: Over 2's / Under 2's
Session: 9:00am to 12:00pm
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:
- bag with a name tag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat
- change of clothes
- nappies if required
- drink bottle containing water
- healthy snack.
Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.
Playgroup
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.
The LeFevre Peninsula is home to many playgroups and activities for children and parents. Please contact the community development coordinator on 8248 3670 for more information.
Antenatal Clinic
The Women's and Children's Hospital's Midwife Clinic is run at the Children's Centre on Tuesdays 8:45am- 5:00pm.
For information on the Antenatal Clinic please call the Women's and Children's Hospital on (08) 8161 7000.