We are still accepting 2024 applications for three and four year old programs. If you would like further information please call the Kindergarten Enrolment Officer on 5624 2802 to discuss placement options, or email kinder@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au.
It is important for parents to consider when is the best time for their child to start school – as this will determine the best time to attend kindergarten, (DET 2011). For more information about kindergartens visit the Department of Education and Training website.
Free applications forms are available online (see section titled 'Kindergarten Application Forms for 2025 & 2024') for a place in community based Baw Baw Kindergartens.
Enrolments for 2025 are now open.
Please email the Kindergarten Enrolment Officer or call 5624 2540 regarding any kindergarten enrolment queries.
How do I know which year to send my child to kindergarten?
The table below shows the earliest a child can attend school and kindergarten, or follow the link to the "starting age calculator".
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If your child was born between
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Year eligible to attend 3 year old Pre Kindergarten
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Year eligible to attend 4 year old Kindergarten
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Year eligible to attend school
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1.5.2018 – 30.4.2019
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2022
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2023
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2024
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1.5.2019 – 30.4.2020
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2023
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2024
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2025
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1.5.2020 - 30.4.2021
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2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
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1.5.2021 - 30.4.2022
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2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
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1.5.2022 - 30.4.2023
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2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
Please note:
- Children are required to start school by the time they turn six.
- You need to work back from the year your child will start school.
- Children are funded for two years of kindergarten from 2022.
- A second year of funding can still be applied for if a child has significant developmental delays in two areas.
- If your child is born between January to April 30 you may choose to defer sending them until the following year. For example: if your child was born on April 1 2022 you may choose to have them attend three year old kindergarten in 2026, instead of 2025. Contact the Kindergarten Enrolment Officer on 5624 2540 for further information about deferral.
How do I know if my child is ready for kindergarten?
Research shows that engaging children in high quality learning experiences benefits all children and their families and can improve a child’s learning and development outcomes, emotional wellbeing, their longer term educational and social outcomes and life experience. It is vital that children receive these benefits when they are emotionally and socially ready for the experience.
The State Government provide kindergarten funding to subsidise 15 hours of kindergarten per week for each child in the year before school. A second year of kindergarten is available for children who meet the eligibility criteria, and are deemed to have a developmental delay in at least two areas. However, funding will not be available if a child is ‘not ready’ for kindergarten. It is important to note that the majority of children are only eligible for ONE year of funded kindergarten.
Criteria for attending a 3 year old pre kindergarten program
Children must be three years of age before attending a pre kindergarten program. Children turning three after the commencement of Term One can apply. A place will be allocated to children that turn 3 from February to April.
If your child is born between January to April 30 you may choose to defer sending them until the following year. For example: if your child was born on April 1 2022 you may choose to have them attend three year old kindergarten in 2026, instead of 2025.
For more information access the online kinder age calculator or contact the Kindergarten Enrolment Officer.
Criteria for attending a 4 year old kindergarten program
Children are eligible to attend kindergarten if they are turning four before the end of April in any given year. Some parents choose to wait an extra year, especially if their child is born between January and April. The conversations about when a child is ready for kindergarten and also when a child is ready for school need to take place before the child begins their funded kindergarten year. Your decision is critical with long reaching implications for your child.
Areas to consider when thinking about sending your child to kindergarten include emotional maturity and social confidence.
Questions to ask yourself in considering readiness:
- Can he or she separate easily from me?
- Can they be understood by other people?
- Can they express their needs clearly?
- Do they have the stamina to attend and enjoy a full kindergarten session?
Speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse, Kindergarten Teacher, Child Care Educator or Pre-School Field Officer if you are unsure of your child’s readiness. Additionally, you may consider contacting your child’s intended Primary School to discuss their policy and practice regarding the enrolment of young children.
Please note: Children will not be able to withdraw and recommence in a state funded place once they start their kindergarten year. Parents are advised to determine when they want their child to attend school and work back two years from there for a 3 year old kinder commencement.
Preference of Kindergarten – How do I know which centre to choose?
Fourteen Community Kindergartens in Baw Baw municipality are currently part of the Central Enrolment process. The application process allows you to state your order of preference for Kindergartens.
Each year parents are able to attend Kindergarten Open Sessions to visit centres. When considering which centre to choose, please note that teachers may change location from year to year.
Click here to see a list of kindergartens.
Additional funding for children with special needs
The Kindergarten Inclusion Support Service offers supplementary assistance to kindergartens to support the inclusion of a child with special needs into the program. Applications are made by the Kindergarten Teacher in consultation with parents, early childhood intervention agencies and Preschool Field Officers. Applications are made in the year prior to the child starting kindergarten and strict criteria exist for an application to be made. Please speak to the Preschool Field Officer on 5624 2540 for further information on funding availability to children with special needs.
From the moment your child turns 12 months of age, you are welcome to complete an ‘Expression of Interest’ for a future kindergarten placement.
Once completed, you will be kept up to date with kinder information and be notified when the application process opens for your child’s enrolment year.
Please complete an Expression of Interest Form here.
Applications for 2025 kindergarten places are now open.
Click here to complete the application form.
If you would like to apply for a kindergarten place for the current year, please also use the form above.
First round offers
First round offers for 4 year old places will be sent out in August for applications received prior to June 30. Any applications received after this date will be received as a late application and offers will be sent out after first round offers are finalised.
First round offers for 3 year old places will be sent out in September for applications received prior to June 30. Any applications received after this date will be received as a late application and offers will be sent out after first round offers are finalised. Please note that this is not a funded program.
For more information about kindergarten enrolments in Baw Baw Shire Council, or if you are unable to access online, please phone 5624 2540 or email the Kindergarten Enrolment Officer.
Council does not operate or manage any of the kindergartens in Baw Baw Shire. They are operated by an Early Years Manager in accordance with the State Government’s Early Years Management policy framework.
Free Kinder is now available for all Victorian three and four year old children at participating services.
- For three year olds, this means from 7.5 hours and up to 15 hours per week of a kindergarten program.
- For four year olds, this means 15 hours per week.
Services will receive funding directly from the Victorian Government, so families are not out of pocket.
For further information, please phone 5624 2540 or email the Kindergarten Enrolment Officer.
If your personal details have changed please contact the Kindergarten Enrolment officer via email, call 5624 2540 or visit the Family and Children’s Services centre at 144 Normanby Street, Warragul.
The Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme provides a single point of contact for Baw Baw Shire families to apply for multiple funded kindergarten services. The Scheme ensures that the process is simple, consistent, inclusive and equitable for both 3 year old and 4 year old Kindergarten programs. For further information regarding the Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme, click here(PDF, 381KB).