From 1 July 2021, Council will no longer be registering children for kindergarten from birth. Families will be able to register their child for kindergarten in the year before their child turns 3.
3-year-old kindergarten
Children born between 1 January and 30 April
If your child is born between 1 January and 30 April, your child can begin 3-year-old kindergarten in the year they turn 3 or 4. Your child needs to be 3 years of age before they commence 3-year-old kindergarten.
If your child is born between 1 January and 30 April, we will hold your child’s kindergarten place until your child turns 3. You will not be charged kindergarten fees for the period while they are waiting to turn 3. Once your child turns 3, they can start to attend the 3-year-old kindergarten program.
You need to decide when is best for your child to begin kindergarten. You need to make this decision before your child begins kindergarten.
4-year-old kindergarten
Children born between 1 January and 30 April
If your child is born between 1 January and 30 April, your child can begin 4-year-old kindergarten in the year they turn 4 or 5. You need to decide when is best for your child to begin kindergarten. You need to make this decision before your child begins kindergarten.
Deciding when your child should start kindergarten
The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) has resources to help you decide when your child should begin kindergarten.
Council also has Preschool School Field Officers who can assist families making a decision. Please contact us and ask to speak with a PreSchool Field Officer or email at psfo@casey.vic.gov.au
If you change your mind about when your child should start kindergarten, you must complete our change of kindergarten registration form.
Kindergarten term dates
Find future kindergarten term dates on the Victorian Department of Education and Training website.
Early Start Kindergarten
Your child may be able to start 4-year-old kindergarten early for two reasons:
- They qualify for the Victorian Government's Early Start Kindergarten program (ESK).
- They are considered a gifted child.
Kindergarten age calculator
We have a handy tool to help you calculate when your child can attend 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten based on the year they were born.
To use the calculator, enter your child's date of birth. The calculator will tell you:
- The year your child can start 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten
- How old they will be when they start kindergarten
- How old they will be when they start school