From today, families with preschool aged children can register their little ones for kindergarten 2027.
In Victoria, the State Government is responsible for early childhood education and care. It also funds sessional kindergartens that are run by early years providers.
The Shire receives State Government funding to operate a centralised registration process for 30 local kindergartens, but it does not manage kindergarten services.
The State Government's recently introduced Best Start Best Life reforms have put pressure on kindergartens which means demand may exceed the number of places available.
How are places allocated?
The Shire applies the State Government's Priority of Access criteria alongside our own policies to ensure fair and equitable access to early childhood education.
Step 1: State Government criteria
- Tier 1 (highest priority): Children who need kindergarten the most (based on Department of Education criteria) are allocated first. Children at risk of abuse, known to Child Protection, Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander children, asylum seeker and refugee children, those with additional needs, parent/carer or child experiencing family violence.
- Tier 2: Children currently attending the service in 3 year old kindergarten or Pre-Prep and seeking access to same service for continuity applied after all Tier 1 children are placed.
Step 2: Mornington Peninsula Shire criteria
After the initial allocations are completed according to the State Government rules, the Mornington Peninsula Shire applies its own criteria:
- Level 2: Local children who aren't already in a kindergarten, applying for their closest one.
- Level 3: Other children who live in the area.
- Level 4: Children who don't live in the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Children who had a sibling previously attend the same kindergarten service within the last three years and/or has a sibling registering at the same kindergarten service in the same year, will be given priority over those without a sibling connection.
Kindergarten enrolment does not close, but timing matters for placement. We recommend registering by 30 June to ensure your child will be included in the first allocation round. Families in this first round have a better chance of getting into their preferred kindergarten. Children registered after 30 June will be placed in a later allocation round.
On the Peninsula, there are more than 70 services providing the free kindergarten program. These are a mix of private, not-for-profit and long day care. Mornington Peninsula Shire runs the registration process for 30 sessional kindergartens only. Families looking for long day care at a privately run centre should apply directly with the service.
Acting Mayor Councillor Paul Pingiaro said "Kindergarten prepares children for school by supporting their learning, confidence and social development.
"Spots are allocated according to the criteria set out by the Department of Education. Recent government reforms have placed new pressures on early years providers. It may be that the demand is higher than the number of places available. The State must invest in new and upgraded infrastructure."
Go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/kindergarten to apply!
