Important Information for Children Born between 1 January and 30 April

In line with school starting age, families with children born between 1 January and 30 Apil will have the choice of which year their child starts kindergarten.

This means for three-year-old kindergarten, a child may attend as two turning three, or three turning four. This then follows on to four-year-old kindergarten and Primary School, so families must consider if their child will be ready for school in two years.

The conversations about when a child is ready for kindergarten and school needs to take place before the child commences their first year of funded kindergarten (three-year-old kindergarten). Once a child commences kindergarten, that will be considered one of their kindergarten years.

Given the Department of Education's criteria for an additional year of kindergarten, most children only have access to two years of kindergarten and then transition to school, it is very important that consideration is given to when a younger child will commence kindergarten.

Research shows delaying a child's start in formal education has immediate and long-term educational benefits. It is important to consider the child's social, emotional and cognitive development when making the decision of when to start kindergarten for younger children. Families should also consider how their child will cope progressing through High School if they are starting as a younger child, as they are likely to be younger than most of their peers.

Families with children born between 1 January and 30 April will be contacted by a Preschool Field Officer to discuss the options available to them.