Cardinia Shire Council is encouraging families to register by 30 June 2022 for the first round of offers for 2023 kindergarten places.
“Children who attend educational play-based kindergarten develop lifelong skills that build their confidence, enhance their social and language skills, expand their physical abilities and prepares them for schooling.” Council said.
In Cardinia Shire, children can access two years of funded kindergarten prior to commencing school.
Children turning three-years-old by 30 April 2023 are eligible to attend their first year of the funded kindergarten program, while if your child turns four-years-old by the same date they are eligible to attend their second year of the program.
Mayor Jeff Springfield said kindergarten is an essential part of social and personal development for children.
“It helps to develop language skills, problem-solving abilities and self-confidence,” he said.
“Research shows that quality early education leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life, so we’d love to see local families enrol their children in kindergarten in Cardinia Shire.”
Cardinia Council offers a centralised registration portal for kindergarten programs at council facilities.
The first year of kindergarten is partially funded by the Victorian State Government for a minimum of five hours a week, and the second year is funded for 15 hours per week.
Offers for 2023 places for four-year-old kindergarten will be sent to parents, carers and guardians from August 2023.
More information can be found at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/kindergarten
