Registrations for 2021 Council kinder programs now open

“Kindergarten is an important stage of a child’s social and emotional development, and with funding available for three-year-old kindergarten from next year, this means that it will be much more affordable for Victorian families to participate in the program,” Mr McKenzie said.

The kindergarten environment allows children to engage in fun methods of developing language, literacy and numeracy skills and prepares children for the transition to school.

“Evidence has shown that two years are better than one when it comes to early learning,” Mr McKenzie said.

“So it is good news for Victorian families that the State Government has now included 3-year-old kinder in the funded program, offering a minimum of 5 hours and up to 15 hours per week.”

Children are eligible to attend a funded kindergarten program if they turn either three or four years of age on or before 30 April in the year of attendance.

Council coordinates a centralised registration process which makes it easy for parents to indicate their kindergarten preferences in the one application, saving time and effort.

The registration includes 12 of the 17 kindergartens across the shire with Colbinabbin this year joining the program.

Central registration is available for kindergarten programs at Echuca Central, Echuca East, Echuca South, Colbinabbin, Rochester, Lockington, Tongala, Gunbower, Stanhope, Berrimba, Pink & Blue and Goodstart Early Learning.

Families are encouraged to submit their central registration applications online through Council’s website.

With restrictions in place due to the current coronavirus pandemic, hard copy forms can be downloaded from Council’s website or available by contacting the central registration team on 1300 666 535.

Further information about kindergarten can be found on the kindergarten page of Council’s website.

Applications for first round offers close July 31.