Kindergarten

Kindergarten is an important step for all young children.  It will help them learn skills that they will build on throughout their life.

We offer two years of kindergarten for 3 and 4 year olds in three locations: Kaniva, Edenhope and Goroke.  Our sessions at all locations are two days x 7.5 hour sessions to assist with family care needs. 

Kindergarten enrolments are now open and accepting children on the 2025 waitlist - complete using the link on the right hand side of the page under "Join the 2025 waitlist"

 Kindergarten

In all of our kindergartens we offer a play-based, emergent curriculum, where children initiate and lead their own learning. Our focus is on exploration rather than on teaching specific skills. Kindergarten is not "practice for Prep" where your child will be taught to read and write before they attend school. Our focus is on social skills, self-help skills, encouraging exploration and wonder, and setting children up to have a love of learning.

Our educators acknowledge parents and families as their child's first teachers; and are passionate about encouraging a sense of belonging and providing the best outcomes for children and families.

Eligibility for Kinder

Children are eligible to attend 4-year-old kindergarten if they turn four before 30th April of that year. Children are eligible to attend 3 year old kindergarten if they turn three before 30th April of that year. Children need to wait until they have turned 3 before they can commence in the three year old program.

We encourage you to speak to the kindergarten teacher regarding when to start your child at kindergarten. We work closely with our local schools to support all children in the progression from 3-year-old kindergarten, 4-year-old kindergarten and then to school.

We provide equal access and participation for all eligible children. It is important to note that a child's readiness for kindergarten, and then school, is very individual. Just because your child meets the cut-off date for eligibility, doesn't necessarily mean they should begin kindergarten then. The teachers and Manager for Community Support and Wellbeing are happy to talk with you about your own family's situation and what might work best for your child.

We encourage parents to plan ahead and start their children at a time when they will thrive rather than cope. This might mean holding your child back a little longer rather than sending them to kinder just because they meet the cut-off age. Government funding contributes to the cost of 4-year-old kindergarten for the year prior to school. While it is sometimes possible to receive funding for a second year, this is becoming increasingly difficult and strict criteria must be met. Please speak to us if you have any doubts. 

Amendments to the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 in January 2016 meant that early childhood education and care services cannot confirm enrolment of a child unless the parent/carer has provided documentation that shows the child:

  • Is fully vaccinated for their age, or;
  • Is on a recognised catch-up schedule if their child has fallen behind with their vaccinations or
  • Has a medical reason not to be vaccinated

'Conscientious objection' to vaccination is not an exemption. A child cannot attend the service until acceptable documentation is provided

 

Kinder Programs, Kinder locations and contact details

4 year old Kindergarten Program

A child is eligible to be enrolled in the Kindergarten program if they turn four before the 30 April in the year that they will attend.

3 year old Pre-Kinder Program

A child is eligible to be enrolled in the Pre-Kinder (3+ year old) program if they turn 3 before 30 April in the year that they will attend.

 

Goroke Kindergarten
12-16 Compston Street, Goroke Vic 3412.
Phone: 03 5386 1113 / 0448 955 923.
Email: gorokekindergarten@westwimmera.vic.gov.au

Edenhope Kindergarten
52 Langford Street, Edenhope Vic 3318.
Phone: 03 5585 1571 / 0448 769 816.
Email: edenhopekindergarten@westwimmera.vic.gov.au

Kaniva Kindergarten
25 Baker Street, Kaniva Vic 3419.
Phone: 03 5392 2671 / 0448 785 317.
Email: kanivakindergarten@westwimmera.vic.gov.au

Enrolments and Fees

New to the region and need to enrol in kinder for 2022? 

Please find enrolment link for XAP below to fill out the enrolment form for kindergarten. Please ensure all information is filled out correctly and all required documentation is submitted. An email will be sent once complete which will confirm your child's enrolment.

Kindergarten Enrolment Link

Fees
West Wimmera Shire Council participate in the Free Kinder Program.

When to enrol in primary school

To start primary school your child will need to turn five years old by 30 April in the year that they start school.

Your child must be at school in the year that they turn six years of age. This is the compulsory school starting age.

You can enrol your child in a Victorian government primary school at any time during the year. It’s good to plan ahead: many Victorian government primary schools start taking enrolments as early as May the year before your child is due to start school.

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/going-to-school/Pages/choose-enrol-school.aspx

 

 

Interested in an Early Childhood Teaching Career?

Interested in an Early Childhood Teaching Career?

For more information about how to start your journey, go to:

https://www.vic.gov.au/make-difference-early-childhood-teaching 

 

For more information, contact

Early Years Team Leader
PO Box 201, Edenhope VIC 3318 
Phone: 13 WWSC (13 99 72)
Email: earlyyears@westwimmera.vic.gov.au