Preschool provides 15 hours of universal access to preschool for children 4 years of age.

Aboriginal children and Children in Care can attend preschool from 3 years of age.

Preschool programs are play-based educational programs designed and delivered by qualified teachers using the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia.

When your child can start preschool

All children are entitled to access at least 1 year of preschool.

From 2023 children who turn 4 years old:

• before 1 May are eligible to start preschool at the beginning of the year (Term 1).
• from 1 May to 31 October are eligible to start preschool at the mid-year intake (Term 3).
• after 31 October will be eligible to commence preschool at the start of the following year.

If you want to delay your child’s start to preschool or you’re not sure about when they should start, please talk to us about your options.

If your child is Aboriginal or is a Child in Care they are eligible for 12 hours of preschool after they turn 3. They will then be eligible for 15 hours per week of preschool in the year before they start school.

Enrolling your child

You can register your interest to enrol your child with us by completing and return the Preschool Registration of Interest Form. Forms are also available from the preschool.

Priority will be given to children living in our catchment area but families living outside our catchment are welcome to register with us.

Preschool Session Times

• Session times –
  • Red Group – Monday & Tuesday 8:40am – 3:20pm and alternate Wednesday 8:40am – 12:00noon
  • Blue Group – Thursday & Friday 8:40am – 3:20pm and alternate Wednesday 8:40am – 12:00noon

Where possible families will be asked to choose a preferred group upon enrolment.

Fees

We ask you to contribute towards the cost of your child attending preschool. The approved parent contribution is $200 per year. Payment can be made in instalments.

What to bring

Children need to bring these items each day:

• A bag or backpack
• A bag or backpack
• A change of clothes, including underwear and socks
• A drink bottle containing water only
• Healthy fruit or vegetable snacks
• A packed lunch that complies with our Healthy Eating Policy
• Nappies and wipes if required.

Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.

What not to bring

Children should not bring these things:

• Any food containing nuts (some children have nut allergies that can be dangerous)

Inclusive Preschool Program

Parks Children’s Centre offers an Inclusive Preschool Program (IPP) for children who have significant additional needs and require more intensive support to participate in a preschool program.

The IPP is a fully integrated program with our preschool program.

Children who meet the eligibility criteria may be referred by support agencies, Department for Education Support Services team members, or another preschool.

An intake panel considers all individual needs before recommending placements.

The program supports up to 6 children. The IPP currently runs with RED group.

Please contact the Director if you would like more information.

Centre Information Booklet

Occasional care is available at our centre for young children who are not attending any other early childhood education or care programs, such as preschool, childcare or family day care. Children usually attend 1 session each week.

Occasional Care sessions offered

Sessions are available for children aged under 2 and for those aged over 2.

Registration

To register to enrol for Occasional Care please contact the centre directly. We will then be able to talk to you about session availability and our priority of access.

Priority of access

The Department for Education has a priority of access policy that we must follow when offering places for occasional care. Places are offered on a term-by-term basis.

Cost

Occasional Care fees are $5 per session and $2.50 for siblings.

For families with an Australian Government Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card, the cost is $1.50 per session and 75 cents for siblings.

You will receive an invoice for the term fees and are encouraged to make payment for the term if possible, otherwise weekly payments may be made.

Absences

A commitment to attend booked sessions is required. Families must contact the centre if their child is going to be absent due to illness, family commitments or travel. If there is poor attendance without notification to the centre the session may be forfeited.

What to bring

Children need to bring these items:

• small bag or backpack
• small bag or backpack
• hat that covers ears, face and neck (no caps)
• change of clothes, including underwear and socks
• drink bottle containing water only
• healthy fruit or vegetable snack
• nappies and wipes if required.

Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.