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    Wodonga Council
    Understanding free kindergarten

    Page URL: https://www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Services/Our-People/Children/Kindergarten/Understanding-free-kindergarten

    Understanding free kindergarten

     /  ServicesOur PeopleChildrenKindergartenUnderstanding free kindergarten

    Wodonga Council provides inclusive programs where all children are welcome.  


    The Victorian Government is extending their funded kindergarten program, so children can attend 15 hours of funded kindergarten for two years prior to school. 

    How to enrol

    To enrol your child into kindergarten, please apply via this link. Please ensure you select the correct year in which you want to enrol your child.   

    The enrolment information is the start of council supporting your child’s transition and participation into the kindergarten program. 

    It is critical that we have as much information as possible as this can also provide council with opportunities to seek extra funding to further support your child’s inclusion into the program. 

    Email kinder@wodonga.vic.gov.au if you would like assistance with the enrolment process. 
     
    Please note: From 2023, the Wodonga Council no longer offers a selection of preferences.  First-round allocations commence in August (the year prior to commencement) and you will be notified of the outcome of your enrolment application via email. Children who do not receive a position will be placed on a waiting list.  

    Wodonga Council Kindergartens
    • Baranduda Kindergarten  
      3 Sage Crt, Baranduda 
      (02) 6020 8460
    • Belgrade Ave Kindergarten
      12 Belgrade Ave, Wodonga
      (02) 6024 3974
    • Felltimber Kindergarten
      189 Melrose Drive, Wodonga
      (02) 6059 6244
    • Jamieson Crt Kindergarten
      16 Jamieson Crt, Wodonga
      (02) 6059 2353
    • Southern Rise Kindergarten
      15 Cartwright St, Wodonga
      (02) 6024 5867
    • Stanley St Kindergarten
      24 Stanley St, Wodonga
      (02) 6024 1756
    Eligibility

    Children are eligible for kindergarten if they turn three years of age by April 30 in the year of attendance.

    Due to regulatory requirements, children cannot start until they have turned three years old.

    When is my child eligible to attend kindergarten?

    The following table provides a general guide to when children should enrol in either three-year-old or four-year-old kindergarten.

    Date of birth 3-year-old kindergarten 4-year-old kindergarten
    May 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020  2023  2024
    May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021  2024  2025
    May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022  2025 2026

     

    • Children born January to April can choose which year to start three-year-old kindergarten. These children can start in the same year they turn three, or in the year they turn four years of age.
    • When your child stars at kindergarten directly relates to the age they will start at primary school.  

     

     

    Priority of access

    The demand for kindergarten places is increasing and there is the possibility you will not be allocated a position and will be placed on to a waiting list.

    A priority of access criteria is applied through the kindergarten allocation process.

    Read more on our frequently asked questions page.

     

    Days and times

    There are two kindergarten groups

    • A group (Monday and Wednesday) and
    • B group (Tuesday and Thursday)

    Session times: 8.30am to 4pm

    Our sessions run only during school terms

     

    Understanding pre-kindergarten

    As a result of the Victorian State Government's Best Start, Best Life reform, kindergarten will be free.

    In line with existing policies, children must ONLY receive Free Kinder funding at one service.

    If your child attends more than one service that offers a funded kindergarten program (e.g. a sessional kindergarten for some days and a long day care service on other days), the family must nominate which service will receive their funded kindergarten program and therefore their Free Kinder funding.

    In order to attend a Wodonga City Council Kindergarten, families MUST nominate Wodonga Council to receive their Free Kinder funding. If you have elected for your child’s kindergarten funding to be allocated to another provider, we will not be able to offered kindergarten through our sessional services. It is important that you let us know if you have allocated your child’s kinder funding to a different provider.

    Please see this link for additional information.

     

    Educational program

    The council’s kindergarten programs cater for children in the two years prior to the commencement of school in integrated age groups.

    The program is guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).

    You can read the Framework from this link

    The council’s kindergarten program provides a curriculum structure that encompasses the following.

    1. Unstructured play experiences in which children can develop and master new skills and knowledge. Unstructured play areas provide materials and resources that supports all areas of development and is associated with the VELYDF learning and development outcomes.
    2. Structured planned activities are developed from the children’s Individual learning plans. These activities are led by the teacher or educator and are tailored to children’s learning goals.
    3. Consistent routines build confidence in children’s participation and understanding the flow of the day.

    Each child will have an individual learning plan to ensure their learning and development is extended and tailored to their specific interests and educational needs.

    Families are provided with educational progress reports and a school transition statement throughout the year.

    Additional resources will be provided for children and families requiring specialised plans for successful school transitions.

    School Readiness Program

    The Department of Education and Training provides School Readiness Funds to services that will enhance children’s learning and development and provide every child the opportunity to reach their full educational potential.

    Each service has intense school readiness activities that builds upon teachers and educators' knowledge and skills to best educate children.

    Some of these activities will involve children directly through on-site coaching and mentoring.

    These activities include, but not limited to, the following.

    1. Speech therapy professional development
    2. OT and mental health professional development
    3. Classroom management and evaluation
    4. Developing strong and effective individual learning plans
    5. Cultural inclusion and community practice