Kindergarten
We support Kindergartens on the Peninsula through coordination of the Kindergarten Central Registration (KCR) and use of Shire-owned buildings.
Information for parents and carers about:
- Kindergarten Central Registration
- Kindergartens on the Peninsula
- Early Start Kindergarten
- Access to Early Learning
Kindergarten Central Registration is a streamlined and transparent application and allocation process that is fair and equitable for all families to support their access to community Kindergarten programs across the Shire.
Kindergarten registration for 2023
Registrations for Kindergarten 2023
Learn more about the Kindergarten registration process:
Key dates:
- Opens on Tuesday, 1 March, 2022
- The 'on-time' registration period will close on Sunday, 17 July, 2022
- 'Late' registrations will be accepted from Monday, 18, July 2022 at 9:00am
Changes to 2023 Kindergarten Priority of Access / Allocation Criteria
The Shire has reviewed the Priority of Access / Allocation Criteria for Kindergarten Central Registration in line with the State Government introduction of two years' of funded Kindergarten (which commenced in 2022).
We would like to thank community members who took part in the survey and provided important feedback that assisted with the review process.
From 2023, the Priority of Access / Allocation Criteria for Kindergarten registrations will be as follows (please refer to the 2023 Kindergarten Central Registration Information Book for further details):
- Level 1: children identified as high priority (no change)
- Level 2: children currently enrolled at the service (new)
- Level 3: children who qualify for the sibling priority (previously Level 2)
- Level 4: children registering for the Kindergarten closest to where they live (previously Level 3)
- Level 5: children in families that are Mornington Peninsula Shire residents/ratepayers
Download the 2023 Kindergarten Central Registration Information Book(PDF, 275KB) for further details.
Information about Kindergartens
Kindergarten programs
Both 3-yr old and 4-yr old Kindergarten programs are offered across the peninsula, including Community Kindergartens operating in Shire-owned buildings, private providers and Kindergarten programs offered in long day care and / or early learning centres.
In Victoria, Kindergarten is not compulsory however the Kindergarten experience is valuable in providing children with the opportunity to learn and develop skills through a play-based curriculum and can also assist children in their transition to primary school. For further information, please visit: Education Victoria website - All About Kinder
For information about free or low cost kindergarten, please download: Education Victoria - Kinder Fee Subsidy
Your child may be eligible for a second year of funded 4-yr old Kindergarten if their early childhood teacher has assessed that your child will benefit from further support in at least two key areas of development and will achieve better outcomes at kindergarten rather than going to school, please visit Second Year of 4-yr old Kindergarten.
Some services may operate under a trading name which includes the word "preschool" and not "kindergarten". The Shire aligns with the same terminology as the State Government by referring to all of our services as Kindergartens.
Early Start Kindergarten – your child may be eligible!
Early Start Kindergarten provides free or low cost kindergarten to eligible 3 year old children where programs are offered by a qualified teacher.
Children are eligible for Early Start Kindergarten if:
- They are aged 3 by 30 April in the year they will be attending a Kindergarten program and:
- They identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or
- Your family has had contact with Child Protection, or
- They are a refugee or asylum seeker
Further information on Early Start Kindergarten can be found at Early Start Kindergarten or What is Early Start Kinder.
Access To Early Learning
Access to Early Learning (AEL) is an early intervention and outreach program funded by the Department of Education and supported by OzChild on the Mornington Peninsula. AEL provides an experienced facilitator to work with families, educators and services in supporting eligible children to fully participate in quality early childhood education.
AEL facilitators help to strengthen participation through:
- identifying and supporting children and families’ access to 15 hours of high-quality kindergarten
- working with families to address any barriers that may prevent their child attending or participating in kindergarten
- strengthening parents’ capacity to support their child’s ongoing engagement in early learning
- strengthening the home learning environment through in-home learning interventions
- building capacity in the local service system, including providing mentoring and professional learning for educators supporting children.
To be eligible for AEL, children must be referred by either Child FIRST/family services (including The Orange Door), Child Protection or Enhanced Maternal and Child Health services.
Further Information
Kindergarten registration for 2022 (late registrations)
Registrations for Kindergarten 2022
Learn more about the Kindergarten registration process:
Key dates:
- On-time registrations closed on Sunday, 18 July, 2021 at 11:59pm.
- Late registrations will be accepted from Monday, 19 July, 2021 at 9:00am
Further Information:
For further information on Kindergartens, please contact the team on 03 5950 1000 or 1300 850 600 or email kindergarten@mornpen.vic.gov.au.
Kindergarten Infrastructure Services Plan (KISP):
A Kindergarten Infrastructure Services Plan (KISP) has been developed by the Victorian Government in conjunction with the Shire to support service planning.