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Preschools FAQ
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- When do I enrol my child for preschool?
- Where do I enrol?
- Do I need to provide any documentation when I enrol?
- What year will my child attend?
- Can my child attend a program in a Long Day Care Centre as well as a council-run stand-alone preschool?
- How are positions allocated?
- When do I need to submit the application by?
- When do I find out which preschool my child has been allocated? Can I change my allocation?
- Why do I pay fees?
- When do I pay my deposit?
- What do I do if I can't pay my term fees by the due date?
- Can I inspect preschool centres before I decide?
- When do terms start?
- What if I do not live in the Wodonga municipality?
- What parental involvement is required?
- Preschools - where are they?
When do I enrol my child for preschool?
First round offers for preschool are done in August of the year preceding Preschool attendance so enrolment applications should be submitted by mid-August. Applications for preschool however, can be lodged at Wodonga Council offices at any time.
You can only enrol at the council offices, Hovell St, Wodonga. Please also note that enrolment applications can be downloaded here or from the application form section on the home page.
Do I need to provide any documentation when I enrol?
No.
What year will my child attend?
The State Government subsidises one year of full-time (10 hours per week) preschool, in the year prior to your child attending primary school. It is preferred that children turn five years of age in the year they attend. Part-time preschool (three hours per week) is available once your child has turned three years of age. If your child does not fall into these general categories (ie. January to April birthdates), you can contact the early years unit at the council offices to discuss your options.
Can my child attend a program in a long day care centre as well as a council-run stand-alone Preschool?
Yes. However the Department of Human Services will only fund ONE of the programs, and parents MUST NOMINATE WHICH PROGRAM THE FUNDING IS TO GO TO. If you nominate the long day care centre to receive the Government funding then you will need to pay the FULL FEE to attend a council stand-alone preschool or you will not be allocated a position.
Preferences are given to children with additional needs. All remaining positions are allocated by date of birth order. Wodonga is not zoned, however, it is a requirement that you actually live and/or pay rates to City of Wodonga.
When do I need to submit the application by?
First round offers for preschool places, based on applications received by July 31 are notified by August 31 in the year prior to attendance. Parents are given three weeks to accept their offer with payment of a deposit.
When do I find out which preschool my child has been allocated? Can I change my allocation?
The first round of offers is made in August, with the second (if necessary) round being made in October/November. As you can appreciate, not all children are able to be allocated their first preference. If you are unhappy you need to contact the early years unit.
Preschools are only partially funded by the State Government, leaving a shortfall in the costs of operating the service. This shortfall is met through council contribution and preschool fees.
To confirm your child's position you are required to pay a fee upon receipt of your letter of offer of placement. This fee is referred to in your letter of offer and will form part of your term four fees.
What do I do if I can't pay my term fees by the due date?
You can contact the early years unit to make alternative arrangements.
Can I inspect preschool centres before I decide?
Yes, open days will be held in June each year. Please check the CityLife community newsletter for exact dates. If you miss the open days then inspection of the centre is available by appointment.
Preschool term dates are in line with Victorian primary school terms.
What if I do not live in the Wodonga municipality?
In some circumstances positions may be allocated to non-residents. For further information contact the early years unit.
What parental involvement is required?
Parents are encouraged to be involved in the various aspects of the operation of the Preschool including program development, policy, social activities and day-to-day classroom activities. By this involvement, the transition from preschool is made easier for your child as you can provide staff with valuable insights into the specific eneds and abilities of your child.
The city of Wodonga currently provides preschool programs in six centres within the municipality. These are:
- Baranduda
- Belgrade Avenue
- Jamieson Court
- Stanley Street
- Southern Rise Children's Centre (two preschool groups per day)
- Felltimber Children's Centre
If you require any further information please contact the early years unit on (02) 6022 9300.
