When to send your child to kindergarten
The year your child is eligible to start kindergarten is based on their date of birth and related to when they will start school.
Children enrolling in kindergarten programs must:
- turn 3 by 30 April of the year they start a 3-year-old kindergarten program
- turn 3 by 30 April of the year they start a 4-year-old kindergarten program.
If your child was born between 1 January and 30 April, consider the year you would like your child to start school to help decide when they should start kindergarten.
| Date of birth |
Eligible for 3-year-old kinder |
Eligible for 4-year-old kinder |
| 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023 |
2026 |
2027 |
| 1 May 2023 to 30 April 2024 |
2027 |
2028 |
| 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025 |
2028 |
2029 |
| 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026 |
2029 |
2030 |
Registrations open from 1 April in the year before starting kindergarten for all services participating in the Stonnington Central Registration Scheme (CRS).
Application timelines for local programs are different for non-CRS services.
My child is born between January and April. Which year should they attend?
If your child is born between 1 January and 30 April, you may have a choice for the year they start kindergarten. To determine when your child should start, it is recommended that you look at your child's preferred school age and work backwards.
It is important to understand that children can only access one year each of funded 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs. This means you will not be able to repeat 3-year-old kindergarten if you later decide your child is not yet ready.
Additionally, the National Quality Framework (NQF) has strict educator-to-child ratios that must be met for all Early Years' Services. If a child turns 3 between 1 January and 30 April in the year they start 3-year-old kindergarten, this may affect their starting date or fees associated with attendance.
You are encouraged to review the programs at your preferred services before applying, to confirm how this will affect your child's starting date. For example, your child may not be able to join the program until they have turned three.
When to start kindergarten will look different for all families. We encourage you to discuss your child's readiness for kindergarten with:
- your Maternal and Child Health Nurse
- the Preschool Field Officer
- early childhood educators whose programs your child is engaged with, such as long day care.
For more information on starting kindergarten, please visit the Victorian Government's education information for parents page.
What if your child isn't old enough?
If your child is not yet old enough to register for kindergarten, we encourage you to sign up for updates through the Stonnington Central Registration Scheme (CRS), or with your preferred service.
What are the immunisation requirements?
According to the No Jab, No Play law in Victoria, your child must be fully vaccinated to start kindergarten. You should ensure that your child's immunisations are up to date and you have a copy of the Immunisation History Statement before starting the enrolment process with your kindergarten provider.
Children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage can enrol in a service without providing proof of up-to-date immunisation. The child must be vaccinated and provide an Immunisation History Statement within 16 weeks of enrolling.
For more information on immunisation requirements, visit the Victorian Government's Immunisation page.