Applications are now open for the 3-year-old program in 2025 and the four-year-old kindergarten program in 2026.
As there are 43 kindergartens in the City of Whittlesea, including the new Murnong Kindergarten in Donnybrook, families can now have two years of kindergarten at no cost.
Council is waiving the application fee, saving families up to $46 thanks to funding received from the Department of Education.
This initiative aims to enable families to enrol their children in these essential early education programs.
Families are welcome to drop in during the specified times – February 29 from 5.30pm till 7.30pm and March 2 from 9.30am till 11.30am – with no bookings required.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson encouraged parents, carers, and children to make the most of the upcoming kindergarten days.
“Kindergarten lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong love of learning. It is a place where young minds are nurtured, curiosity is sparked, and social skills are developed,” she said.
The experiences gained during these formative years are instrumental in shaping confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals.
“We invite parents, carers, and children to come along and chat to the kindergarten teachers and explore all that’s on offer at your local kindergarten.”
Council is also providing free ‘help’ sessions this month and June to help families with completing the kindergarten applications that will include support in filling out the applications, understanding immunisation requirements, Early Start Kinder information and more.
Translators will also be available to support families from non-English speaking backgrounds.
To find your closest participating kinder or to apply online visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/kinder and to view more about the information sessions, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/kinderhelp.
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For additional information call 9217 2170 and ask to speak to the Children and Families department or email keo@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
