Orientation & preparation
Orientation sessions: usually held 1–2 weeks before term starts; exact dates provided by each kindergarten service provider.
What to bring:
- Hat, water bottle, lunch/snack if needed
- Spare clothing
- Comfort items if your child needs them
Helping your child adjust:
- Talk about kindergarten routines positively
- Practice separation in short periods if your child is anxious
- Encourage independence with dressing, eating, and toileting
During attendance
Communicating with educators:
- Regular updates on your child’s progress
- Ask questions about learning, social skills, or any concerns
Parent involvement:
- Volunteer opportunities
- Events, parent-teacher meetings, and celebrations
Feedback and complaints:
- Contact the kindergarten service provider directly
- To escalate the issue, contact Department of Education Early childhood education and care services
Changing kindergarten
Requesting a new kindergarten:
- If your family moves house, you can request a new kindergarten closer to home.
- If you are unhappy with your current provider, you may request a change.
How to request a transfer:
- Call the Kindergarten Central Registration team or email [email protected]
Conditions & availability:
- Changes depend on available places at other kindergartens.
- Contact Council’s Kindergarten Central Registration Services team for guidance.
Impact on enrolment:
- Confirm new enrolment details and ensure continuity of attendance.
Additional support for children
Preschool Field Officers (PSFOs): specialist early childhood teachers who help children, including those with additional needs, participate in kindergarten.
Support areas:
- Social skills, emotional wellbeing, communication, behaviour, thinking and movement, inclusion, participation, and school readiness.
How PSFOs support children: Coach and mentor teachers and educators to:
- Discuss child development with families
- Connect families with support services
- Enable collaboration between families and educators
Eligibility:
- Free advisory service for teachers working in funded kindergarten (Council-operated, independent, or long day care programs).
For families:
- Discuss your child’s needs with the kindergarten teacher; referrals can be arranged.
For educators:
- PSFOs provide guidance, strategies, and skills to support children with additional needs.
Contact: [email protected] or phone 9298 8000
Next steps
- Kindergarten dates – check term dates and orientation sessions.
- Register for kindergarten – if you are still completing registration or need to update preferences.
- How kindergarten places are allocated – for information on waitlists and offers.
- Find a kindergarten – view other kinder options if you are considering a change.
Need help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or contact our Early Years team on 9298 8000.
