Enrolment FAQs

Kindergarten is an important step for your child. While kindergarten isn’t compulsory for Australian children, the Department of Education strongly recommends that all children attend a kindergarten program in the two years prior to starting school.

Research shows that quality, play-based learning is a powerful way to support children’s learning and development. The benefits last into the school years and beyond. Kindergarten improves children’s health and wellbeing, helps them to develop strong social skills, and encourages a love of learning. Children who go to kindergarten are more independent and confident and are more likely to make a smooth transition to primary school. 

Glen Education offer sessional kindergarten programs. 

Essentially, the only differences between an integrated (long day care) program and a sessional program are the hours offered and the allocation of days within the timetable. Sessional kindergarten programs only operate during school terms whereas integrated kindergarten programs operate for 50 weeks each year.

15 hours per week of Free Kindergarten is available for all three and four year old children enrolled at Glen Education. For children enrolled in additional kindergarten hours above 15 hours per week, there is an additional cost for families.

Additional sessional kindergarten fees are charged per term and the fee is dependent on the number of days your child attends.

Families accessing kindergarten at Glen Education are NOT eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) which is a government subsidy to support families to pay integrated kindergarten fees in long day care services.

Visit our Kindergarten Costs Page for more information

No, a child can only be enrolled to receive kindergarten funding at one kindergarten service. Families will confirm their acceptance of funding upon enrolment.

If your child is attending more than one service (funded and long day care/child care), you will need to nominate Glen Education to receive the funding.

Glen Education run multi-age sessions at most services, which bring together children aged three to five years old offering a unique opportunity for learning and development. Our educators adapt the curriculum and their teaching strategies to support individual children’s development and maximise the educational benefits for the group.

Mixed-age grouping has great potential to support children’s social and emotional learning. Children who are settled and older often take on leadership roles and support those who are less capable and competent than they are, while at the same time building their own self-confidence and self-esteem. They model turn taking and sharing. Children with no younger siblings at home have opportunities to ‘be a big sister or brother’ and nurture and help others as well as form relationships with younger children.

Play is often more complex as older children extend younger children’s ideas or younger children follow the ideas suggested and contribute to the play. Educators have great teaching moments as children learn about others. 

Mixed-age grouping supports younger children over time build their confidence as they engage and interact with children of the same age and older peers. Play across mixed age groups is often more complex as older children extend younger children’s ideas or younger children follow the ideas suggested and contribute to the play supporting language development.

Mixed-age grouping allows those less confident to mix with younger children and over time build their confidence in mixing with same age and older peers. These children often find this less stressful as they are not expected to match their peers’ behaviours and abilities and so they avoid the competitiveness that can arise. This also works well for children who have developmental delays as they can play with peers of similar abilities and interests and avoid some of the frustrations, they may otherwise face.

We notice children’s language development is fostered as older children role model for younger children and surround them with language of different levels and complexity. They can modify their language, behaviours and expectations based on the ages and understandings of the other children. In turn they become adept at ‘reading’ younger children’s non-verbal clues and responding accordingly.

FIRST YEAR (3 YEAR OLD) KINDERGARTEN:

To be eligible for funded first year (3 year old) kindergarten, children must be three years of age or older by 30 April in the year they attend. 

Children turning three between the commencement of Term 1 and April 30 can only attend kindergarten once they turn three. A pro rata fee will apply (if attending kindergarten more than two days per week) and educators will develop individual orientation schedules to enable these children to visit the kindergarten for short periods of time (parent/guardian must remain for these visits). 

Flexibility on when children can start kindergarten. Families with children born between January and April have a CHOICE about whether their child will commence school in the year they turn five or the following year when they turn six, and therefore whether they commence first year (3 year old) kindergarten in the year they turn three or the year they four. For further information about which year to enrol your child, please visit our FAQ or call us to discuss.

Children accessing first year (3 year old) kindergarten will transition to second year (4 year old) kindergarten the following year.  No children will repeat funded first year (3 year old) kindergarten.  If children need a third year of funded kindergarten and meet the criteria, they will do this at the end of the second year (4 year old) kindergarten, prior to the transition to school.

SECOND YEAR (4 YEAR OLD) KINDERGARTEN:

To be eligible for funded second year (4 year old) kindergarten, children must be four years of age or older by 30 April in the year they attend. A child may start four-year-old kindergarten at the commencement of the kindergarten year even if they have not yet turned four.

The Victorian State Government policy states that a child is entitled to ONE funded year only of second year (4 year old) kindergarten.  When applying for kindergarten, parents need to carefully consider the age of their child and whether they will be ready for the demands of kindergarten.

Families with children born between 1 January and 30 April have a choice about whether their child will commence school in the year they turn five or the following year, and therefore whether they commence second year (4 year old) kindergarten in the year they turn four or the year they turn five. For further information about which year to enrol your child, please visit our FAQ or call us to discuss.

A second year of funded four year old kindergarten will only be considered when a child shows delays in learning and development outcome areas in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, and when:

• the kindergarten program is deemed to be the most appropriate learning program.
• the child will achieve better outcomes at kindergarten than if they go to school.

You can view more information on eligibility for a second year of funded second year (4 year old) kindergarten HERE .

Under the No Jab No Play (Immunisation) legislation every child attending Glen Education must provide an up to date Immunisation history statement.

If your child will turn six before or while they’re in their first or second year of funded 4 year old kindergarten, you must get an exemption from starting school.

It is the parent/guardian’s responsible for getting the exemption and will be asked for a time of enrolment.

You can apply for an exemption from school if one or more of these circumstances apply:

• Your family has moved from interstate or overseas where the school entry age is different to Victoria.
• Your child’s early education has been delayed due to chronic illness, disability, or developmental delay.
• Your child is a refugee or asylum seeker who has suffered trauma and would benefit from a year of kindergarten before starting school.
• Your child has not been able to access kindergarten because of transient family circumstances.
• Other special considerations.

You need to get written confirmation from a professional (such as a kindergarten teacher, doctor, or an allied health professional) to confirm the circumstance. The professional must also explain why it’s best for your child to go to kindergarten instead of starting school.

You can read more about how to complete an Exemption from school due to attendance in a kindergarten program Going to kindergarten if your child is 6 years old.

Glen Education participate in a Central Registration enrolment scheme for first year (3 year old) and second year (4 year old) kindergarten programs. The scheme is administered by local Councils on behalf of all Glen Education kindergartens, ensuring a streamlined process for families which is fair and equitable in the allocation of places.

Contact your local council for information on when and how to register for a Glen Education kindergarten place.

If you are unsure about the best time for your child to start a kindergarten program, you can seek advice from:

• Victorian Government website when to start kindergarten
• Glen Education customer relations team.
• Participate in a tour of the kindergarten and ask questions directly to our educators.
• Discuss with your child’s maternal and child health nurse, family doctor and any other professionals your child sees (for example, speech therapist, physiotherapist or paediatrician).

Some parents are under the false understanding that, should their child not be ready for school after one year of second year (4 year old kindergarten), that their child will automatically receive a second year of funded kindergarten.

Click here to view more information on eligibility for a second year of funded 4 year old kindergarten.

The kindergarten inclusion support service offers supplementary assistance to kindergartens to support the inclusion of a child with additional needs into the program. Applications are made by the kindergarten teacher in consultation with parents, early childhood intervention agencies and preschool field officers. Applications are made in the year prior to the child starting kindergarten and strict criteria exist for an application to be made.

Please speak to Glen Education’s Inclusion Support Manager for further information on funding availability to children with additional needs.

Contact us for support

As part of enrolment, we strongly encourage and invite families to view our kindergartens. Registering for a tour is the perfect opportunity to view our beautifully designed indoor and outdoor learning spaces, learn about our programs, and ask questions. You can book via our website tours page:

In person tours can be booked

Virtual tours can be viewed anytime

Term fees for additional hours will only be refunded if four weeks’ notice prior to term commencement is provided when withdrawing a child’s kindergarten place or decreasing a child’s kindergarten hours. If this notice is not provided TERM FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.

Four weeks’ notice prior to term commencement (in writing to enrolments@gleneducation.org.au) is required to withdraw a child from their kindergarten place and receive a refund of the voluntary contribution fee of $50 (if applicable). If no such notice is given, the voluntary contribution fee is non-refundable.

To withdraw your child’s kindergarten place or reduce your child’s kindergarten hours, please contact us.

Families are required to pay a $100 holding deposit on offer of a place. This one off deposit payment (per child) is retained and refunded once the child has commenced kindergarten. Payment will secure the child’s place in the kindergarten program. If a place is cancelled prior to the child attending, this deposit WILL NOT be refunded. There is no deposit required for families who are eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy, or Early Start Kindergarten Fee subsidy or who select to defer the offer.

Working together to support your child to learn to use the toilet is critical.  We encourage the following strategies:

• There is NO expectation that your child must be able to use the toilet prior to starting at a Glen Education kindergarten.
• To support ease of toileting, we ask that your child attends a Glen Education kindergarten in pull ups if they are not yet able to use the toilet independently (rather than nappies) as this will help to transition to underwear and when learning to use the toilet. ‘Training underwear’ is also great when starting out (as it is thicker and more absorbent.
• Dress your child in clothes that are easy to take off – for example, pants with elastic waistbands.
• Pack LOTS of spare clothing – including additional socks and shoes. Accidents happen and that’s ok – but we need to be able to quickly and discretely support your child to change clothes so they can continue their day.
• Consistency is key – once you have committed to starting the process of toilet learning, it’s important to follow through. Changing back and forth from nappies to pants can be really confusing for a young child.
• Before introducing the toilet, it helps if you have an established routine with your child at home. This way, the new experience of using the toilet can be slotted into your normal routine.
• Teach your child the words needed for toilet training, such as wet, dry, wee, poo, ‘I need to go’. Choose words that you are comfortable with and share these with the educators so these words can be used there too.
• Give your child lots of fibre to eat and water to drink so she doesn’t become constipated, which can make toileting difficult. Your child’s diet is the best way to handle this, rather than using fibre supplements.
• Use lots of encouragement for all efforts made throughout the whole process.
• The educators at Glen Education will remind your child to use the toilet and will provide the appropriate support needed (with clothing, wiping their bottom etc.). Children will very often get caught up in play and not realise they need to use the toilet until it’s too late. It’s good to follow through with this at home too – Gentle reminders are enough, so your child doesn’t feel pressured.  Five minutes is long enough to sit on the toilet.
• Educators at Glen Education kindergartens will teach your child how to wash their hands after using the toilet, and there will be visual cues in the bathroom too.
• Educators have a lot of patience and are trained to support children to learn to use the toilet. If your child gets upset because of an accident, educators will reassure them that it’s ok to have an accident and there’s no need to worry. Once your child is using the toilet, don’t be disappointed if there are a few accidents. A few accidents are to be expected even when children are trained. Sometimes toilet training can go backwards when there is a new stress, or something is troubling your child.  If you feel there might be a problem or you’re worried about how your child is adapting to toilet training, check with your doctor or child and family health nurse.

Learning to use the toilet is a significant milestone in your child’s life.  It is one that is achieved in a supportive and trusting environment.  There is no ‘set age’ at which a child learns to use the toilet and it will be different for every child.  Research informs us that typically, children are between 18 months and three years before they are developmentally mature enough to recognise the urge to use the toilet.  The key is to not decide for your child.  The secret is to wait for signs that your child is ready to start using the toilet, rather than determine this for them.  Some children get the knack quickly, while others need adult patience and support.

While there is no ‘right time’ to start learning to use the toilet, look out for the following indicators:

• has dry nappies for several hours at a time – this shows they can store wee in the bladder.
• is becoming interested in watching others go to the toilet (this can be awkward or make you uncomfortable at first, but is a good way to introduce things)
• tells you (or shows obvious signs) when they do a poo or wee in their nappy – if they can tell you before it happens, that’s also a good sign they are ready to transition to the toilet.
• begins to dislike wearing a nappy, perhaps trying to pull it off when it’s wet or soiled.
• has regular, soft, formed bowel movements.
• can pull their pants up and down and is becoming more independent when it comes to completing tasks.

Contact your local council for information on when and how to register for a kindergarten place.

Contact your local council for information on when and how to register for a kindergarten place.

Contact your local council for information on when and how to register for a kindergarten place.

To withdraw your child’s kindergarten place or reduce your child’s kindergarten hours, please contact us.

Term fees for additional hours will only be refunded if four weeks’ notice prior to term commencement is provided when withdrawing a child’s kindergarten place or decreasing a child’s kindergarten hours. If this notice is not provided TERM FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.

YES, families seeking to enrol their child at a Glen Education kindergarten must provide (at time of enrolment) an up to date Immunisation history statement from the Australian immunisation register (AIR). This is the ONLY form of documentation accepted for the purpose of enroling at Glen Education.

For further information, please see our Immunisation Page.

Glen Education’s comprehensive Family Handbook is a valuable resource packed with essential information, including guidance on what food to bring, what clothes to bring, how to help prepare your child for kindergarten, and more. You can access the handbook by clicking the following link: Family Handbook link

Children accessing first year (3 year old) kindergarten will transition to second year (4 year old) kindergarten the following year.  NO children will repeat funded first year (3 year old) Kindergarten.  If children need a third year of funded kindergarten and meet the criteria, they will do this at the end of the second year (4 year old) kindergarten, prior to the transition to school.

Children accessing second year (4 year old) kindergarten will only be considered for a second funded 4 year old year when a child shows delays in learning and development outcome areas in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, and when:

• the kindergarten program is deemed to be the most appropriate learning program.
• the child will achieve better outcomes at kindergarten than if they go to school.

You can view more information on eligibility for a second year of funded 4 year old kindergarten HERE

Please contact us for further information or to discuss your individual circumstances.

Glen Education kindergarten programs operate within the Victoria State school system terms only.

During the Term 2 and Term 3 break, Glen Education run a Holiday Program at an additional cost to families. Visit our Holiday Page to learn more about our holiday care program and dates of operation.

Please visit the ‘Give your child the best start’ page by the Victorian Government, for more information on Kindergarten.

If you child is moving from kindergarten to school, their educator will write a Transition Learning and Development Statement (TLDS).

The statement includes:

• your child’s name, date of birth and photo
• their interests, skills, and abilities
• strategies to teach your child.
• your contact details and the details of any other professionals who are supporting your child.

Your kindergarten will give the TLDS to your child’s school or Foundation teacher. It helps the teacher get to know your child and plan the best way to teach them.

The TLDS includes sections for you and your child to fill in. Your child can fill in their section with an adult they feel comfortable with. This is usually a drawing and what your child thinks about starting school.

You will be given a copy of the TLDS. Your child’s kindergarten will share the statement with:

• your child’s new school
• any out-of-school-hours services if you decide to use one.

Research has shown that a TLDS improves children’s learning and wellbeing. However, if you don’t want to share certain information about your child, you can discuss this with your kindergarten.

For more information visit  Transition Learning and Development Statements (TLDS).