As the new year gets underway, families are encouraged to take a look at their kindergarten options. 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten is free in Mitchell Shire, and enrolments are open year-round.
Across Mitchell Shire, kindergarten is provided free under the Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life program, supporting children to get the best possible start to learning while helping families plan with confidence.
Kindergarten provides an inclusive environment where children are supported to build confidence, develop friendships and learn through play, building strong foundations for wellbeing, learning and connection to community.
What children experience at kindergarten
Our kindergarten programs are led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, with programs planned and delivered to best meet the needs, interests and learning outcomes of children.
Programs offer a child safe and supportive kindergarten environment, where children are supported to:
- Develop autonomy and strengthen their wellbeing
- Engage and interact with their peers
- Connect with people, country and community
- Foster positive dispositions for learning
- Maintain and value their first language in a social setting
All kindergarten programs are Victorian Government Kinder Tick approved, meeting quality and safety standards.
Free kindergarten program hours
Sessional kindergarten programs operate for:
- 3-year-old kindergarten: 15 hours per week
- 4-year-old kindergarten: 20 hours per week
Enrolments are open year-round
Enrolments are coordinated through Mitchell Shire Council's Central Registration and Enrolment System (CRES).
Families can apply for kindergarten at any time of the year. Applications are considered as places become available, and families are encouraged to enquire early.
Applications for the current year
Families can still apply for kindergarten for the current year.
Once an application is submitted, families will be contacted within two weeks.
Enrol now: Online Kindergarten Application (add link)
Looking ahead
2027 kindergarten applications:
- Round 1: Applications close 1 June 2026 - offers emailed by the end of June
- Round 2: Applications close 1 July 2026 - offers emailed by the end of July
- Round 3: Applications close 1 August 2026 - offers emailed by the end of August
Applications received after 1 September will be processed as they are received.
Applications for 2028 kindergarten will open in June 2027.
