How kindergarten places are allocated

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This page explains how Council allocates places for 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs through the Central Registration Scheme (CRS), including first-round offers, waitlists, and what parents can do if their child is not offered a place.

Overview of allocation

After you submit your registration form, Council allocates places for participating kindergartens.
Allocation is based on your priority of access, eligibility and preferences.
If there are more children with the same priority than places available, a random ballot will be used to decide who gets a place.
Council cannot guarantee a place at your preferred kindergartens but will try to match children to their preferences wherever possible.

First-round offers

First round offers are based on first preferences selections only.
Offers are emailed to parents after the first-round allocation in July.
Families have 7 days to accept or decline the offer through the offer email link.

Waiting lists & subsequent rounds

Children who do not receive an offer in the first round are placed on a waiting list.
If your first preference is not available, Council will then consider your second and third preferences in later rounds.
Later rounds depend on available places and all three preferences and run from August onwards.
Parents can update preferences during this time to improve their chances of getting a place.
Children on the waiting list keep their original priority and preference order.

Priority of access criteria

Ensures fair allocation for all kindergarten places.
Priority of Access criteria is applied in each round to ensure equity and transparency, and to meet State Government requirements.
For more information on Priority of access in Knox, visit our Register for kindergarten page.
Note: Children attending kindergartens in their Local Community Area are given higher priority. See the list of kindergartens in each area on our Find a Kindergarten page.

What parents can do

Review your allocated offer and make a decision in the allocated timeframe.
Update preferences if your child is waitlisted or if your circumstances change.
If your child is offered your second or third preference you can accept this place and remain on a waiting list for your first preference (should a place become available)
Contact Council for support or clarification about allocation outcomes.
Attend orientation sessions once your place is confirmed.

Next steps

Register for kindergarten – submit your preferences or update your application.
Kindergarten dates – view allocation rounds, offer notifications, and orientation dates.
Starting and changing kindergarten – guidance for preparing your child and managing changes.
Find a kindergarten – view kindergartens available near you.

Need help?

Or call our Early Years team on 9298 8000.