Kindergartens provide developmentally-appropriate programs based on the National Quality Framework and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Frameworks which encourage children to develop life skills and strengthen their enthusiasm through engaging in play and social interaction.
Kindergarten provides an important step for your child that serves as a transition to formal schooling.
The kindergarten programs across the municipality are based on community needs and operational costs. The hours of operation and fees are reviewed annually.
Three-year-old and Four-year-old kindergarten programs are partly funded by the State Government; however, fundraising activities and program fees are an important part of ensuring service viability.
If you would like more information about Kindergarten Fee Subsidy, please click here
Three Year Old Kindergarten
Commencing in 2021, Council is pleased to be one of the first twenty-one municipalities in Victoria to introduce state subsidised three-year-old kindergarten – as part of a ten year roll out across the state. Funded kindergarten means the government will help the kindergarten service with the cost of your child attending. This helps keep your fees low.
Funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten will be available in our integrated services (Karreeta Peeneeyt Mara-Portland Child and Family Complex and Kathleen Millikan Centre) and sessional or kindergarten services just the same way that kindergarten for four year olds is available now.
Evidence also shows that two years are better than one when it comes to early learning. Taking part in a quality kindergarten program at an earlier age leads to positive effects on child development. It has even greater benefits for children who need extra support or are in vulnerable circumstances.
Three and Four-Year-Old kindergarten will be offered in same age groups or in multi- age groups (three and four year olds together) across the Shire. Children in multi-age groups will develop friendships and engage in learning just as they would in same age settings with the added bonus of being able to access peer support and lead learning for other children. These opportunities offer children the opportunity to develop more sophisticated social skills.
Early Years Management
The Glenelg Shire Council is a Early Years Manager. Early Years Management is when a number of early years services are managed by the one organisation.
Early Years Management (EYM) Guide / Agreement
The EYM Guide/Agreement was developed by the Glenelg Shire Council, Parent Committees, parents and staff to explain the way that kindergartens are managed by Council.
The Guide/Agreement explains that:
Council is financially and legally responsible and employs all kindergarten staff.
Kindergarten teachers manage the day to day operations and the children's program.
Parent committees undertake social and fundraising activities to pay for the purchase and repair of equipment.
Parents can assist in many ways - through working bees, parent engagement, fundraising and other activities.
A reference group made up of staff and committee representatives meets quarterly.To obtain a copy of the Early Years Management Guide/Agreement, click here.