Surf Coast kindergartens are getting the sandpits and classrooms ready as applications open for next year.
Families can apply for next year’s three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs from Monday, April 7, which are free through the state government’s Best Start, Best Life funding.
Councillor Rebecca Bourke said council’s services all had The Kinder Tick, a benchmark that ensures a high standard of training and qualifications.
“We know that children who attend two years of kindergarten are set-up for school socially, emotionally and academically,” she said.
“All of council’s kindergartens have wonderful indoor and outdoor areas, offering an inviting environment for play-based learning.
“The kindergarten years are so much fun for children… You can see the benefits in their primary school years and even down the track when they’re in secondary school.”
The first round of kindergarten applications for next year will close on June 22, with the form remaining open for second and third-round offers.
Council-operated kindergartens included Anglesea Kindergarten, Helen M Kininmonth Pre-School Winchelsea, Jan Juc Pre-School, Kurrambee Myaring Kindergarten in Torquay, Lorne Kindergarten and Torquay Kindergarten.
Three-year-old kindergarten programs allow children to learn in a flexible and play-based environment and are open for children who have turned three years old by April 30.
Four-year-old kindergarten encourages the learning and curiosity of children through experiences and activities and is available for children who turned four-years-old by April 30.
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/kinder for more information and to apply for 2026 spots in council’s kindergartens.