We manage the central application process for four-year-old kindergarten programs in the City of Whittlesea. As of 1 February 2021, we will also take applications for three-year-old kindergarten programs for attendance in 2022 only.
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 improved children’s health and wellbeing and helps them to develops 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.
Some kindergartens run as a stand-alone service and others are through long day care centres or schools.
Four-year-old kindergarten is subsidised by the Victorian State Government to keep fees low and allow all children to attend.
From 2022, the Victorian State Government is subsiding three-year-old kindergarten. Applications for three-year-old kindergarten in 2022 will open online on 1 February 2021.
For 2021 three-year-old kindergarten applications, please apply directly with your chosen kindergarten.
You can apply using either the online form or by downloading the application form below.
You will be required to provide the following information:
1. Fill in your child's details and nominate three kindergartens, in order of preference
2. Provide the following supporting documents:
4. Apply online or submit your completed application form by:
The kindergartens offer an open day each year for families. Details will become available for next year’s open day closer to the date. In the meantime, we welcome you to contact your local kindergartens directly.
Applications will open on 1 February 2021, one year before three-year-old program attendance and two years before four-year-old kindergarten attendance. Please refer to the table below for guidance.
Apply by 30 June in the year before your child attends kindergarten to be considered in the initial placement 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 vacancies become available.
Three-year-old kindergarten | Four-year-old kindergarten | ||||
Date of birth range | Year of attendance | Apply via | Year of attendance | Apply via | Applications open |
1 May 2016 – |
N/A | N/A | 2021 | City of Whittlesea | Now |
1 May 2017 – 30 April 2018 |
2021 | Direct with kindergarten | 2022 | City of Whittlesea | Now |
1 May 2018 – 30 April 2019 |
2022 | City of Whittlesea | 2023 | City of Whittlesea | 1 Feb 2021 |
1 May 2019 – 30 April 2020 |
2023 | City of Whittlesea | 2024 | City of Whittlesea | 1 Feb 2022 |
Your child must turn three by 30 April in the year of attendance.
Your child must turn four by 30 April in the year of attendance.
The kindergarten fee subsidy allows children to access up to 15 hours of funded kindergarten delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher for free or at low cost.
Your child is eligible for the kindergarten fee subsidy:
or if your child holds or has a parent or guardian who holds, one of the following:
If your family or child has a humanitarian or refugee visa listed by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection which is not included in the above list, your child may still be eligible for the kindergarten fee subsidy. Please speak to your kindergarten service for more information.
A parent web portal is now available for you to view and modify your child’s kindergarten application. To log in enter your child’s first given name and surname as well as their date of birth and application ID.
If you don’t have this number, contact us by emailing keo@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or phoning 9404 8825
Applications are processed according to the priority of access guidelines set by the Department of Education and Training (DET). Beyond these priorities, offers are made according to the date of application. 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.
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.
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 9404 8825.
Alternatively, email your request to change or cancel your child's application to keo@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Or download a Change of Information Form below
You can defer your application to the following year online using the parent web portal.
If you do not have your child's application ID, email keo@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or download the Kindergarten deferment form below.
Your child's application can only be deferred before they start attending kindergarten.
There are 37 kindergartens in the City of Whittlesea, 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.
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 Training (DET) and monitored regularly to ensure quality and standards are maintained and funding conditions are met.
City of Whittlesea’s role is to:
For more information on the management of local kindergartens, please refer to our Kindergarten Central Enrolment Scheme Policy.
Watch our video for more information about kinder.