Starting kindergarten

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

Child's date of birth (required)

Kindergarten options

Calculated for a child born on Date of Birth .

Year	Age at January	Kindergarten program

Your child is eligible to start 3-year-old kindergarten this year.

Research has shown that attending two years of kindergarten supports better learning outcomes for children.

Your child will be when they start school in .

Your child is eligible to start 4-year-old kindergarten this year.

Research has shown that attending kindergarten supports better learning outcomes for children.

Your child will be when they start school in .

Your child is eligible to start 3-year-old kindergarten this year, or can wait until next year.

Your child must be 3 years old before they commence kindergarten. We will hold your child’s kindergarten place until your child turns 3 and you will not be charged fees for this period. When your child turns 3, they can start to attend 3-year-old kindergarten.

You need to decide when is best for your child to begin kindergarten. Research has shown that attending two years of kindergarten supports better learning outcomes for children.

If they start 3 year old kinder this year they will be when they start school in .

Your child is eligible to start 3 year old or 4 year old kindergarten this year

Research has shown that attending kindergarten supports better learning outcomes for children.

If they start 4 year old kindergarten this year they will be will be when they start school in .

Your child is eligible to start 4-year-old kindergarten or school this year.

Attending 4-year-old kindergarten is recommended as research has shown it supports better learning outcomes.

If they start 4 year old kindergarten this year they will be when they start school in .

Privacy statement

We will handle any personal information you provided in this form in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. You can access your personal information by contacting our Privacy Officer on 9705 5200. For more information please see our Privacy Policy.

Deciding when your child should start kindergarten

Children born between January and April have the option to start kindergarten when:

3-year old kindergarten in the year your child turns 3 or 4 years old
4-year-old kindergarten in the year your child turns 4 or 5 years old

What should I look for in deciding which year to send my child?

It is important to look at your child’s skills and abilities rather than their age. Areas of development which are of particular importance for making a decision are:

Emotional skills—such as maturity, confidence and ability to cope with change
Social skills—how well they engage with other children

Where can I seek further support from?

We have Preschool Field Officers that can offer assistance to families in making the decision of when to start kindergarten. Read more about how to get extra help for your child at kindergarten or you can contact a Preschool Field Officer by emailing psfo@casey.vic.gov.au or calling 9705 5200 and requesting to speak to one.

How do I register my child?

Please visit our registration page or contact a Kindergarten Enrolment and Planning Officer via 9705 5200 or kinderenrolment@casey.vic.gov.au

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.

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