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 September to confirm attendance at an orientation session, usually held in term 4. This will be a 1-hour session where you can ask questions.
Before your child starts preschool you can come to pre-entry transition visits. These will be in term 4 and are 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 $140 per term which includes a $10 fundraising fee.
When to pay
We will invoice you via your child's communication pigeon hole and send by email.
Payments are due by the date on your invoice.
Please contact us if you are having difficulty paying.
How to pay
Cash or cheque
You can pay cash at the centre. Please put the payment in a sealed envelope with your child’s full name on the front. Put the envelope in the red box on the bench in the kitchen and record your name and amount in the day diary.
EFT information
You can pay by direct deposit.
BSB: 085745
Account number: 207583274
Account name: Willow Close Pre School
Please put your child’s full name as the reference.
Preschool session times
Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.30am to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 3.15pm | 8.30am to 3.15pm** |
** Friday sessions are 9 full days per year (dates provided at the beginning of the year).
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these NAMED items each day:
- bag
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps)
- change of clothes
- drink bottle containing water (we have Pura Tap water available)
- healthy snack (fruit or vegetables)
- healthy lunch
What not to bring
Your child should not bring these things:
- unhealthy food or drink (lollies, chocolate, chips, fizzy drinks)
- any processed or packaged food items
- toys from home.
Additional information
Please dress your child in washable play clothes and appropriate footwear (no thongs).
Please apply sunscreen to your child before preschool when the UV rating is 3 or above. We will reapply sunscreen at lunch time. Please read our sun protection policy (PDF 131KB).
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.
Day and times
Playgroup is held on Fridays from 9.30am to 11.30am term time.
Cost
This program costs $2 per family.
What to bring
Your child needs to bring these items each day:
- piece of fruit to share
- water bottle
- broad-brimmed, legionnaire or sun-safe hat (without chin straps).
Baby Playgroup
The baby playgroup is for any caregiver with an infant that is wanting to enjoy a coffee and chat in a relaxed and infant safe environment.
Times
Baby playgroup is held on Tuesdays from9.30am to 11.30am term time.
Cost - no cost involved