The Victorian Government has committed to increasing funded hours for three-year-old kindergarten over the next seven years. As a result of these changes to the funding, Council will be able to offer more hours per week of three-year-old kindergarten in 2023.
In 2023 Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Riddells Creek and Woodend Kindergartens will offer 7.5 hours per week of three-year-old kindergarten, which is an increase from 5 hours per week in 2022.
Manna Gum Family and Children's Centre, Romsey Kindergarten and Swinburne Avenue Children's Centre will offer 15 hours per week of three-year-old kindergarten. This is possible as there are fewer children enrolled in the four-year-old program at these centres, and therefore more availability to increase three-year-old program hours.
Council's Director Community Maria Weiss said Council endeavours to offer kindergarten places to as many children as possible, and has needed to adjust hours at certain services to maximise the number of children being able to access kindergarten places in 2023.
"Where there are limited vacancies, we've prioritised access to three-year-old kindergarten over the number of weekly hours delivered, to ensure as many children as possible have access to Council's kindergarten program.
"Council is pleased to offer increased hours for three-year-old kindergarten in 2023 at all of our services and looks forward to welcoming the new cohort of children as they embark on their educational journey in the new year," she said.
Families who have already registered for kindergarten in 2023, can expect to receive further information about 2023 enrolment later this month.
More information: Kindergarten
