If your child is born between 1 January and 30 April, you may have a choice for the year they start kindergarten as this determines their age when they start school. It is recommended that you look at the age you would like your child to be when they start school and work backwards to determine when to start kindergarten.
It is important to understand that children can only access one year each of funded three and four-year-old kindergarten programs. This means you will not be able to repeat three-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 are required to be met for all Early Years' Services. For children who turn three years old between 1 January to 30 April in the year they commence three-year-old kindergarten, this may affect their starting date or fees associated with attendance.
You are encouraged to review the different 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, so you are encouraged 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 may already be engaged with, such as long day care.