Kindergarten enrolments are now open
Published on 19 May 2025
It might be closer to the start of 2025 than 2026 but it’s time to start thinking about next year if you’re looking to enrol your child in kindergarten.
Enrolments are now open for anyone looking to enrol their child in a Glenelg Shire Council-run kindergarten service next year.
The official enrolment period for three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs will run from Monday, 19 May to Sunday, 15 June 2025.
Three- and four-year-old Kindergarten Programs will be offered at the following services for 2026:
- Dartmoor Children’s Centre
- Heywood Kindergarten
- Jaycee Kindergarten, Portland
- Kalbarri Kindergarten, Portland
- Karreeta Peeneeyt Mara Portland Child and Family Complex
- Kathleen Millikan Centre, Casterton
Also in 2026, between 16 and 25 hours of Pre-Prep will be available at Glenelg Shire Council kindergartens for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- Children from a refugee or asylum seeker background
- Children who had had contact with Child Protection services
- Children supported by Early Start Kindergarten Three-Year-Old Kindergarten year
Children who currently access Early Start Kindergarten are eligible for Pre-Prep in 2026. While all children stand to benefit from the Best Start, Best Life reforms, those who meet the eligibility for the priority roll-out are children who research suggests have the most to gain from expanded programs.
Glenelg Shire Council Acting Director Community Services Brett Jackson encouraged families to start considering which centre would best suit their child’s learning needs.
“Kindergarten is a vital step in a child’s development journey,” he said.
“Encouraging a love of learning and developing strong social skills will assist children with their transition to primary school.
“Our services participate in the State Government’s free Kindergarten program, meaning your child can get the best start without any added financial burden.
“In the tough economic climate we know it will be reassuring for many households to know kindergarten will not leave them out of pocket.
“We look forward to welcoming many new and existing children to our kindergarten programs next year.”
Enrolments can be completed online through the Glenelg Shire Council website.
For more information visit the Glenelg Shire Children’s Services Facebook page, phone1300 453 635(1300 GLENELG) or email childrensservicesenquiryglenelg@glenelg.vic.gov.au.