Families are invited to apply for a place at a Surf Coast Shire Council-run kindergarten for 2024, with enrolments to open Monday 10 April.
Council offers three-year-old and four-year-old programs, which are free thanks to Victorian Government funding.
Council-operated kindergartens are Anglesea Kindergarten, Helen M Kininmonth Pre-School Winchelsea, Jan Juc Pre-School, Kurrambee Myaring Kindergarten in Torquay, Lorne Kindergarten and Torquay Kindergarten.
Kurrambee Myaring Kindergarten’s Anni O’Brien teaches three-year-old and four-year-old programs.
“There are so many benefits for a child to attend three-year-old kinder,” she said. “It’s their first start in developing a love of learning, which they’ll carry for life. It also supports them to build connections and be OK saying goodbye to their families.”
Four-year-old programs offer 15 hours across different session models, including Bush Kinder.
“All programs are based around the children’s interests, as this is how they learn best: with experiences that interest them,” said Anni, who has a kindergarten career spanning 23 years.
“We can support their early social development skills and ensure that these are well developed before they head off to school.
“Kinder also supports children to be able to follow routines and directions from other adults, and we can work alongside them to develop other important skills that they need before they start school. It all happens in a fun and interactive way.”
For more information and to apply for a place at a Council-run kinder for 2024 from 10 April, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/kinder.
Families are encouraged to apply before Sunday 18 June 2023, when first-round enrolments close. The application form will remain open for second and third-round offers.
