Children are eligible to attend kindergarten in 2027 if they turn three or four before April 30, 2027. To be eligible for Pre-Prep, children must be turning four before April 30, 2027.
Gannawarra Shire is one of the first municipalities in Victoria to roll out the Victorian Government’s Pre-Prep program, which has replaced the former four-year-old kindergarten program.
“Kindergarten and Pre-Prep is the first step in a child’s education journey, as it supports children to develop positive relationships, problem-solving skills, ways to manage their emotions, and approaches to exploring, discovering and learning about themselves and the world around them,” council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said.
Gannawarra Shire Council currently manages three-year-old kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs at the Cohuna and District Preschool, Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre at Kerang, Kerang South Kindergarten, Koondrook Preschool and Leitchville Preschool Play Centre, giving families the choice to select a local provider.
Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood said now was the time for families to start exploring local kindergarten options and lodge their registration.
“If you’re unsure which kindergarten is right for your child, keep an eye out for open days throughout May.
“They’re a great way to meet educators, see the learning spaces and ask questions.’’
Campaspe Shire manages a number of centres, including Berrimba Childcare, Echuca; Brigid’s Light Early Learning Centre Echuca; Colbinabbin Preschool; Rushworth Kindergarten and Childcare Centre; Shine Bright Echuca Anstruther St Kindergarten; Shine Bright Echuca East Kindergarten; Shine Bright Echuca Central Kindergarten; Shine Bright Echuca South Community Kindergarten; Shine Bright Girgarre Kindergarten; Shine Bright Gunbower Kindergarten; Shine Bright Fenaughty Street Kyabram Kindergarten; Shine Bright Kyabram P-12 Kindergarten; Shine Bright Unwin Street Kyabram Kindergarten; Shine Bright Lockington Kindergarten; Shine Bright Rochester Kindergarten; Shine Bright Stanhope Kindergarten and Shine Bright Tongala Kindergarten.
To assist with planning for 2027 programs, parents and guardians are encouraged to return their completed enrolment information by 5pm Tuesday, June 30,
For Campaspe Shire places, visit campaspe.vic.gov.au/kindergartens
For Gannawarra Shire information, contact the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre on 5452 1357.
For information and a starting age calculator, visit vic.gov.au/sending-child-kinder or speak to your maternal and child health provider.
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