Frequently Asked Questions

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Please see some of the frequently asked questions about kindergarten below.

If you have any further questions or just need some help in registering for kindergarten please just give us a call on 9688 0116 or send an email to kindergarten@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

When do kindergarten registrations open/close?

Registrations for kindergarten are open all year, but we recommend registering in March to be able to have the best chance at getting the place you want.

Late registrations are still accepted but are placed lower in the allocation process.

Round 1 offers for kindergarten in 2027 have now closed

From the beginning of August 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten rounds will be completed on a weekly basis. To be included in the current week's round, registrations need to be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday's.

Do I need to register for a second year of kindergarten?

No, you do not need to complete a registration for a second year of funded kindergarten.

A second year of 3- or 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (or Pre-Prep) may be approved by an Early Childhood Teacher in partnership with families. Your child’s service will advise Council if your child is being recommended for a second year of kindergarten.

If your child turns six during a second year of Four-Year-Old Kinder, an exemption from the Victorian Government, Department of Education will be required.

What does kindergarten cost?

Sessional (standalone) kindergarten is free for all three and four-year-old children in Victoria through the government’s Free Kinder program.   

Integrated kindergarten through a long day care centre will include fees, but families will receive an annual fee offset. Contact the service directly to confirm fees.   
 
Families can access Free Kinder at only one service at any one time. Services will contact families to confirm this. 

Visit the State Government's Free Kinder webpage for more information.

How do I change, cancel or update details in my registration?

Call us on 9688 0116 or send an email to kindergarten@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au to make any changes to your registration.

Can I tour a kindergarten?

Kindergarten open and drop-in sessions are held annually in Term One. These sessions have now closed for 2026. 
 
For a kindergarten tour outside of these sessions, you can contact the kindergarten directly.

Please check our website for details on open sessions in early 2027, or subscribe to our What’s on for Families? quarterly e-newsletter.

Subscribe here

Does my child need to be immunised?

Under Victorian Government guidelines children are required to be fully vaccinated for their age before they can be enrolled in any kindergarten program. 

Documentation is required by your child’s kindergarten confirming that your child is: 

  • fully vaccinated 
  • is on a catch-up program 
  • is unable to be fully immunised for medical reasons.

Visit our immunisations webpage for more information.

My child isn't toilet trained, can they still attend kindergarten?

Yes, if your child is not toilet trained they can still start kindergarten.

How should I prepare my child for starting kindergarten?

Starting kindergarten can be a big step for families.  To help the transition please see some tips below.
 
Over the summer holidays: 

  • Be positive – talk to your child about what they will do at kindergarten (see our At My Kindergarten video and story book for help).
  • Encourage your child to dress themselves, so they can manage tasks like taking their jumper on and off. 
  • Label all belongings that your child will take to kinder. 
  • Establish a routine for kindergarten mornings – this could include a chart with pictures outlining the different steps for getting ready. 
  • Create a routine around sleep – at this age, children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Practice sticking to bedtime and wake up schedules in the weeks leading up to the start of kinder. 

On the first day of kindergarten: 

  • Talk to your child about what to expect and when you will pick them up 
  • Prepare the night before – lay out clothing you both agree on and pack their bag together
  • Talk to the kindergarten teacher about how you would like to settle your child in (e.g. you may want to stay for a while
  • Make sure you say goodbye – disappearing quietly can cause greater distress and mistrust.
  • At the end of the day talk to your child about what happened during the day. 

View the tips for starting kindergarten webpage on the Victorian Government's website.

          
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