We manage the central application process for sessional kindergarten programs in the City of Whittlesea. This includes three and four-year-old programs at 43 kindergartens across City of Whittlesea. View a list of these kindergartens below.
From 2023 onwards, the Victorian State Government has announced that kindergarten will free for all three and four year old children.
This is a big change and so we are working with kindergarten providers to cater for your family’s needs and manage capacity across our centres. This means three-year-old kindergarten hours will vary at different kindergartens, providing families with between 5 and 15 hours each week.
Contact your local kindergartens or check their websites for timetables from October onwards. Most childcare centres also offer kindergarten programs, contact your local centre for details.
Applications are now open for 2023, 2024 and 2025
You can apply for 3 and 4 year old kindergarten at the same time.
There is a new kindergarten opening in Donnybrook in 2024, Patterson Drive Kindergarten (temporary name). It will be located at 181 – 183 Olivine Boulevard, Donnybrook.
Kindergarten (also called preschool) is an educational program for children delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher in the two years before they start school.
Kindergarten is for all children. If your child has a disability or learning difficulty (requires support to access kindergarten), the educators will talk with you about how the program and environment can support your child.
Research shows that kindergarten improves children’s health and wellbeing and helps them to develop strong social skills and encourage a love of learning.
Children who go to a kindergarten program are more independent and confident and more likely to make a smooth transition to primary school.
Childcare centres within the municipality also provide kindergarten programs. You may apply directly to the service, see website for contact details: Childcare centres - Whittlesea Council
Three and four-year-old kindergarten is subsidised by the Victorian State Government to allow all children to attend for free.
+ Apply for kindergarten
You can apply for 3 & 4 year old kindergarten using either the online form or by downloading the application form below.
You will be required to provide the following information:
Fill in your child's details and nominate three kindergartens, in order of preference
If you are applying for 3 year or 4 year old kindergarten please nominate the three kindergartens in order of preference for both kindergarten years
Provide the following supporting documents:
proof of child’s birth (eg. a copy of their birth certificate, passport or Immunisation History Statement)
proof of parent’s current address (e.g. driver’s licence, rates notice or utility bill). Name on document provided must match Parent/Guardian details on application. Non-residents may choose to provide proof of primary childcare/education or employment within the municipality to prove connection to Council. In the absence of this a signed Statutory Declaration can be used.
A copy of your Health Care Card/ eligible Concession/ Refugee or Asylum seeker visa etc
if there is no exemption or concession a non-refundable application fee is payable of $24.80 for one year (either 3 or 4 year old kindergarten) or $46.00 for two years (both 3 and 4 year old kindergarten).
Apply online or submit your completed application form by:
email: keo@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
mail:
Kindergarten Team City of Whittlesea Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC VIC 3083
If you speak a language other than English and would like assistance to apply for kindergarten, or to find out more information, please contact Council’s Kindergarten team on 9217 2170. You are welcome to contact the Interpreting Service 131 450.
Your child must turn three by 30 April in the year of attendance.
Four-year-old kindergarten
Your child must turn four by 30 April in the year of attendance.
Some children are eligible for a second year of funded kindergarten. This second year is only available at four year old kindergarten and is approved by your child’s kindergarten teacher. You do not need to apply for the 2nd year if your child is already attending one of Council’s kindergartens. Your child’s teacher will request a placement on your behalf.
If your child was born between January and April you can choose which year to enrol your child: Either the year they become eligible or the year after.
Three-year-old kindergarten
Four-year-old kindergarten
Date of birth range
Year of attendance
Year of attendance
Applications open
1 May 2018 – 30 April 2019
2022
2023
Now
1 May 2019 – 30 April 2020
2023
2024
Now
1 May 2020 – 30 April 2021
2024
2025
1 February 2023
1 May 2021 - 30 April 2022
2025
2026
1 February 2024
+ Important dates
Kindergarten open night
Kindergartens host an information events each year, providing an opportunity to speak to kindergarten teachers and learn about the quality programs on offer throughout the municipality.
For any enquiries, please contact your local kindergartens directly or you may view their websites.
Applications open
Applications open on 1 February each year, one year before three-year-old program attendance and two years before four-year-old kindergarten attendance. Please refer to the table in the '+ Eligibility' section above for guidance.
Kindergarten placement offers
Apply by 30 June in the year before your child attends kindergarten to be considered in the first round offers. Any applications received after this date will be accepted and processed later in the year. Kindergarten placement offers will be made via email or mail starting in the months of July and August in the year before your child is due to attend. Offers will continue to be made after this date as applications are received.
+ Early Start Kindergarten
Early Start Kindergarten gives eligible children 15 hours of free or low-cost kindergarten a week for two years before starting school.
To be eligible, your child must be three by 30 April in the year they start kindergarten, and:
is from a refugee or asylum seeker background, or
identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or
your family has been involved with or received parenting support from Child Protection or The Orange Door
The kindergarten placement offers are sent via email or mail starting from July and August in the year prior to your child attending. Offers will continue to be made after this date as new applications are processed, and other vacancies become available.
We do try to offer your preferred kindergarten placement however due to demand this is not always possible.
You may choose to stay on a waiting list instead of accepting an alternative kindergarten placement. Places may become available later at your preferred kindergarten due to deferments, cancellations and changes of preferences.
Confirm your offer
If you have received a placement offer you can respond to the offer online using the parent web portal or, alternatively, you can return the printed form by email or mail.
After you accept the placement offer, you will be contacted by the kindergarten management about session times and fees.
Under the 'No Jab, No Play' legislation you will need to provide documentation/evidence regarding immunisation directly to the kindergarten to confirm your child’s enrollment.
Council does not require this evidence for your kindergarten application.
+ How to change or cancel your application
Log in to the parent web portal to modify your child’s application instantly. You will require your child's application ID which will be shown on letters you have previously received.
If you do not have your child’s application ID, phone 9217 2170.
Alternatively, email your request to change or cancel your child's application to keo@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
+ Defer your application
You can defer your application to the following year online using the parent web portal. You will require your child's application ID which will be shown on letters you have previously received.
If you do not have your child’s application ID, phone 9217 2170.
Your child's application can only be deferred before they start attending kindergarten.
+ Choosing a kindergarten
City of Whittlesea handles central applications for 43 kindergartens and you can nominate your child to attend any one of these. We encourage you to contact any kindergarten you are interested in.
Information about programs, session times and fees are available from each kindergartens' website or by contacting them directly.
Use the interactive map below to find your nearest kindergarten by clicking the link below and entering your home address in the top right-hand corner.
Kindergartens in the City of Whittlesea are managed by volunteer parent management committees, schools or professional early childhood organisations.
Management bodies are registered with the Department of Education and monitored regularly to ensure quality and standards are maintained and funding conditions are met.
City of Whittlesea’s role is to:
maintain Council’s facilities in which kindergarten programs are run
manage a central application system for kindergartens in Council’s facilities
support early childhood educators with professional development and service planning