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YMCA Early Years Management Kindergarten Enrolment Handbook 2021 Updated: 26 Nov 20 1

Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3

YMCA Early Years Manager (EYM) ............................................................................... 3

The Role of the Parent Advisory Group (PAG) ............................................................... 3

General Information: 3-year-old Kindergarten Program (Pre-kinder) .......................... 4

Funding for 3-year-old Kindergarten ............................................................................... 4

General Information: 4-year-old Kindergarten Program ............................................... 5

Is my child eligible for 4-year-old Kindergarten this year? .............................................. 5

A second year of Funded Kindergarten .......................................................................... 5

Determining eligibility for a second year of funded Kindergarten ................................... 5

Eligibility criteria .............................................................................................................. 6

What will my child gain from attending 4-year-old Kindergarten? .................................. 6

Early Start Kindergarten ................................................................................................. 7

No Jab No Play .................................................................................................................. 8

Program Overview ............................................................................................................ 8

Assessment and Rating Overview .................................................................................. 8

National Quality Rating and Assessment Process ......................................................... 9

Kindergarten Groups and Sessions 2021 ..................................................................... 10

Ararat Rural City ....................................................................................................... 10

Bass Coast Shire ...................................................................................................... 10

Buloke Shire ............................................................................................................. 11

East Gippsland Shire ................................................................................................ 11

Mount Alexander Shire ............................................................................................. 12

Pyrenees Shire Council ............................................................................................ 12

Swan Hill Rural City Council ..................................................................................... 12

How to Enrol for Kindergarten ....................................................................................... 13

What information do I need? ......................................................................................... 13

Before you start…..................................................................................................... 13

Details needed .......................................................................................................... 13

Documents needed .................................................................................................. 13

Enrolment steps ........................................................................................................ 14

Kindergarten is free for some families…. ..................................................................... 14

Free Pre-kinder program (3 year old kindergarten) for eligible children ....................... 15

No fees are required until March 2021 – if you choose the Direct Debit option ........... 15

Kindergarten fees ......................................................................................................... 15

Payment options ........................................................................................................... 15

Payment methods – for the full fee upfront option ........................................................ 15

How do I know if my child has a place? ....................................................................... 16


Submission of your enrolment application .................................................................... 16

Accepting the place ...................................................................................................... 16

What happens next? ....................................................................................................... 16

Changing details ........................................................................................................... 17

Waiting lists ................................................................................................................... 17

Additional needs ........................................................................................................... 17

Safeguarding Children and Young People ................................................................... 17

YEYM Privacy Policy .................................................................................................... 18

Contact Details ................................................................................................................ 19


Introduction

Kindergarten aims to advance each child’s learning and to optimise the development of key skills.

Kindergarten programs are designed to:

Engage each child as an effective learner

Promote communication, learning and thinking

Build positive relationships

Enhance identity

Participation in a Kindergarten program gives parents and families the opportunity to be a part of a

community focused on children’s wellbeing. The Kindergarten program also provides a place for

parents to get to know other families and to share their experiences and information with early

childhood professionals.

YMCA Early Years Manager (EYM)

Your local Kindergarten is managed by the YMCA of Ballarat Early Years Management (YEYM).

YEYM is funded by the Department of Education (DET) to provide a Kindergarten service for the

community. The benefits of EYM are multiple:

Children benefit from high quality, inclusive services provided by professionals who are well

supported to adopt contemporary, evidence-based practices.

Parents can focus their involvement on supporting their children’s learning free of the

compliance, industrial, financial and operational obligations that are required of approved

early childhood service providers.

Staff benefit from organisational structures and processes that support them in their day to

day work,

as well as creating career pathways and professional development opportunities that align

with their aspirations.

The Role of the Parent Advisory Group (PAG)

Enjoy being on your child’s preschool Parent Advisory Group (PAG) and working as part of a team,

while making new friendships:

Fundraising, social activities and grant applications

Feedback about policies and procedures when required

Provide information about upcoming events to families

Provide volunteers for Kindergarten working bees

Support staff in providing quality programs for the children through purchasing of educational

equipment with funds raised from fundraising efforts

Report to the YMCA any concerns, complaints, issues regarding the delivery of the service.


General Information: 3-year-old Kindergarten Program

(Pre-kinder)

Research shows that quality play-based learning is a powerful way to support children’s learning and

development. The benefits last into the school years and beyond.

Evidence also shows that two years are better than one when it comes to early learning. Taking part

in a quality Kindergarten program at an earlier age leads to positive effects on child development. It

has even greater benefits for children who need extra support or are in vulnerable circumstances.

Pre-kinder programs work with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. This

makes sure the programs are right for children's ages.

Funding for 3-year-old Kindergarten

Funded Pre-Kindergarten is being rolled out across Victorian Early Childhood and Care Services over

3 years and commenced in the Shire areas of Buloke and South Gippsland in 2020. The Shires of

Ararat, Central Goldfields, East Gippsland will offer funded programs in 2021 and Pyreness, Mount

Alexander, Baw Baw, Ballarat, Mildura, Bendigo, Swan Hill and Bass Coast in 2022.

Enrolments will be accepted now for

children turning 3 years of age by 30 April

during the year in which they will attend.

Children must have turned 3 to

commence in the program. It is important

to enrol now to be eligible for a place. We

will hold your child's place until they are old

enough to attend and will only charge fees

for the weeks your child attends the

Kindergarten program. Please note

children do not need to be toilet trained to

attend 3-year-old Kindergarten.

Please check the sessions in the table

below for funded and unfunded Pre-kinder

programs available in your area.

For more detailed information on

3 year old Kindergarten please refer to

the DET website:

https://www.vic.gov.au/give-your-child-the-

best-start-in-life

https://www.vic.gov.au/give-your-child-the-best-start-in-life

https://www.vic.gov.au/give-your-child-the-best-start-in-life


General Information: 4-year-old Kindergarten Program

In Victoria, children attend 4-year-old Kindergarten in the year prior to starting school.

The Victorian State Government provides funding for each eligible child attending a 4-year-old

Kindergarten program which assists in keeping your Kindergarten fees low. This is referred to as a

“Funded Kindergarten” or a “15-hour program”.

There is additional funding available for vulnerable children. Please note that children cannot attend

more than one funded Kindergarten program. There is a strict criteria set by DET for children who

require a second year of funded 4-year-old Kindergarten.

Is my child eligible for 4-year-old Kindergarten this year?

DET provide funding for the following children to attend:

Children who turn 4 years old on or before the 30 April in the year they will be attending

Kindergarten.

Children who have received funding for a second year of 4-year-old Kindergarten.

Children who were eligible to attend the 4-year-old Kindergarten program in the previous year

but deferred or withdrew from the 4-year-old program on or before the last day of Term 1.

Children who are turning 6 years of age in their year of Kindergarten who have been granted

an exemption from school entry age requirements by their regional DET office.

Please note children do not need to be toilet trained to attend Kindergarten.

For more information visit the DET website: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/Pages/default.aspx

A second year of Funded Kindergarten

During the Kindergarten year, the early childhood teacher and the child’s parent will work together to

plan for the child’s transition to school. This will involve open and honest communication about the

child’s learning and development and strategies to facilitate a smooth transition.

Where a child is observed to display delays in key outcome areas of learning and development, the

possibility of a second year of funded Kindergarten may be considered. However, a second year

should only be considered if Kindergarten will be the most appropriate environment to address the

child’s delays in development. Children can develop at different rates and some children may develop

at a slower rate than others.

From the time of enrolment, regular communication between the parent and the early childhood

teacher in relation to a child’s learning and development is important. If a parent and/or early

childhood teacher observes that a child’s learning and development is not progressing at a rate

similar to their peers, strategies will be planned and implemented to support the child’s learning and

development in those specific areas.

When considering whether a second year of funded Kindergarten will benefit a child, the early

childhood teacher and parent must ensure that the child meets the eligibility criteria for a second year.

Determining eligibility for a second year of funded Kindergarten

An assessment of the child is undertaken and a Declaration of Eligibility for a second year of funded

Kindergarten is completed. DET is responsible for approving second year requests.

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/Pages/default.aspx


Eligibility criteria

The early childhood teacher can deem a child is eligible to receive a second year of funded

Kindergarten where:

The child is observed as having delays in at least two outcome areas of learning and

development detailed in the Victorian Early Years and Development Framework and

There is evidence to suggest that the child will achieve better outcomes if he/she attends a

second year of Kindergarten to strengthen the learning and development of skills in these

areas and better facilitate transition to school the following year.

Children who have been granted early entry to Kindergarten (i.e. children who are less than four years

of age by 30 April in the year they attend a funded Kindergarten program) are not eligible to apply for

a second year of funded Kindergarten.

What will my child gain from attending 4-year-old Kindergarten?

Children learn more in their first 5 years of life than at any other time. Kindergarten provides children

with an environment that encourages and supports their development. Kindergarten gives your child

the opportunity to explore the world and gives them a solid foundation to learn the skills that are

required for transitioning to school. Kindergarten provides opportunities to:

Develop communication and literacy skills

Develop independence and responsibilities to gain confidence and a feeling of self-worth

Learn social skills such as listening and respecting other people’s ideas

Build self-awareness and respect for others

Learn to be creative

Experience maths, social studies and science

Use technology

Discover the joy of learning

Make new friends

Children learn these skills through play-based

curriculum where they are encouraged to make

choices and share in decision making.

Children are provided with the opportunity to develop

caring relationships with adults as well as friendships

with other children. The best outcomes for children

are achieved when Kindergarten staff and parents

work in close partnership.


Early Start Kindergarten

Early Start Kindergarten (ESK) was introduced in response to research showing that two years of

quality education and care for vulnerable families prepares children for success at school and leads to

positive impacts later in life. ESK provides free or low cost Kindergarten for:

All three-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Three-year-old children known to Child Protection or referred from Child Protection or Child

First.

Children must be aged at least three years by 30th April in the year they enrol to be eligible for a

place. Children can only start ESK after they have turned three years of age.

For more information about ESK visit:

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/child-care-Kindergarten/Pages/early-start-Kindergarten.aspx

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/child-care-Kindergarten/Pages/early-start-Kindergarten.aspx


No Jab No Play

Under the ‘No Jab, No Play’ legislation, before enrolling a child into a Kindergarten program you must

first provide evidence that the child is:

fully immunised for their age OR

on a vaccination catch-up program OR

unable to be fully immunised for medical reasons.

‘Conscientious objection’ is not an exemption under the ‘No Jab No Play’ legislation.

You will be required to provide your selected Kindergarten with a copy of your child’s

immunisation status to confirm enrolment.

For further information please visit:

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation/vaccination-children/no-jab-no-play/frequently-asked-

questions

Program Overview

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) developed by the Federal Government, together with

the State Government’s Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)

ensures a quality education program is provided to all Victorian children.

Both frameworks provide an outline to Early Childhood Educators. This is used in partnership with

families to develop learning programs which take into account individual children’s ideas, interests,

strengths and abilities.

Assessment and Rating Overview

A National Quality Framework (NQF) guides the delivery of quality educational and developmental

outcomes for children accessing early childhood services. The National Quality Standard (NQS)

outlines 7 Quality Areas:

Educational Program and Practice

Children’s Health and Safety

Physical Environment

Relationships with Children

Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities

Leadership and Service Management

As part of this framework, Kindergartens are assessed, and the quality of the service rated against

these standards. The National Quality Standards aims to promote:

The safety, health and wellbeing of children

A focus on achieving outcomes for children through high-quality educational programs

Families’ understanding of what distinguishes a quality service.

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation/vaccination-children/no-jab-no-play/frequently-asked-questions

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation/vaccination-children/no-jab-no-play/frequently-asked-questions


National Quality Rating and Assessment Process

Kindergartens are assessed and rated against each of the seven Quality Areas of the National Quality

Standard and the National Regulations and given an overall rating. The rating and assessment

process aims to drive continuous quality improvement and provide families with better information for

making choices about their children’s education and care. Early childhood experts and professionals

maintain that quality is critical when it comes to early childhood education and care.


Kindergarten Groups and Sessions 2021

Ararat Rural City 4-year-old funded program 3-year-old program

Ararat North Kindergarten Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9.00am – 2.00pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Integrated with 4-year-old group

Carey St Kindergarten

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Wednesday & Friday

9.00am – 3.00pm

Jack & Jill Kindergarten

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm Monday & Wednesday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Lake Bolac Kindergarten

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8.30am – 1.30pm


8.30am – 1.30pm


St Andrews Kindergarten


9.00am – 2.00pm Wednesday & Friday

9.00am – 3.00pm

Willaura Kindergarten


8.45am – 1.45pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

8.45am – 1.45pm


Bass Coast Shire 4-year-old funded program 3-year-old program

Inverloch & District

Preschool

Monday & Wednesday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Tuesday & Thursday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Monday, Tuesday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Wednesday

9.00am – 12.00noon

Thursday 9.00am – 12.00noon

Drysdale Street Wonthaggi Kindergarten

Monday & Friday

8:45am – 4:15pm


12:15pm – 3.15pm (Tues)

9:15am – 3:15pm (Wed & Thurs)

Tuesday

8.45am – 11.45am

White Road Wonthaggi Kindergarten

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Tuesday & Thursday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm


Buloke Shire 4-year-old funded program 3-year-old program

Birchip Early Learning Centre

Tuesday & Wednesday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Tuesday & Wednesday

8.30am - 4.00pm Integrated with 4-year-old group

Charlton Preschool Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

8.45am – 1.45pm

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 8.45am – 1.45pm


Donald Kindergarten Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9.00am – 2.00pm


Wycheproof Kindergarten Tuesday & Wednesday 8.30am – 4.00pm

Tuesday & Wednesday 8.30am – 4.00pm Integrated with 4-year-old group

East Gippsland Shire 4-year-old funded program 3-year-old program

Lakes Entrance Preschool Monday, Tuesday & Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Tuesday & Thursday

8.30am – 4.00pm


9.00am – 2.00pm


Tuesday & Thursday

8.30am – 4.00pm


Mallacoota Preschool Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9.00am – 2.00pm


9.00am – 2.00pm


Orbost Preschool Tuesday & Wednesday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Tuesday & Thursday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Wednesday & Thursday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Swan Reach Preschool Tuesday & Thursday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Monday & Wednesday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Monday & Friday

8.30am – 4.00pm

Wednesday & Friday

8.30am – 4.00pm


Mount Alexander Shire 4-year-old funded program 3-year-old program

Castlemaine Kindergarten Monday, Thursday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Tuesday

8.30am – 11.30am

Harcourt Preschool Monday, Tuesday & Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Wednesday

9.00am – 12.00pm

Maldon Preschool Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm


Newstead Preschool Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9.15am – 2.15pm

Monday

9.15am – 2.15pm

South Castlemaine

Kindergarten

Monday, Thursday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm


9.00am – 2.00pm

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Monday, Tuesday & Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Wednesday

9.00am – 12.00pm

Pyrenees Shire Council 4-year-old funded program 3-year-old program

Avoca Preschool Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm

Swan Hill Rural City Council

4-year-old funded program 3-year-old program

Robinvale Preschool Monday, Wednesday & Thursday

9.00am – 2.00pm


9.15am – 2.15pm

Friday

9.00am – 2.00pm


How to Enrol for Kindergarten

On-line enrolments open on the 1st of July 2020.

Please see the Enrolment Steps below.

If you have enquiries or need assistance filling out the form, please contact YMCA Early Years

Management (YEYM) - phone 4311 1500 or by email: [email protected].

What information do I need?

Before you start….

The following information is essential for completing the enrolment. Please gather this

information before you start.

The on-line enrolment form needs to be completed in full in order to be submitted. You

cannot save the form and return to it at a later date.

Details needed

□ Emergency Contact Details: Full details of people

you wish to nominate to collect your child from

kinder and/or people you nominate for us to

contact in an emergency if we are unable to

contact you - full name and address, telephone

numbers and relationship to the child

□ Medicare number

□ Doctor/Medical Service details – name, full

address, telephone number

Documents needed

□ Immunisation History Statement (please see sample below)

Available from:

Via your myGov account (https://my.gov.au/LoginServices/main/login)

Express Plus Medicare Mobile App

your local Medicare Office, Centrelink Office or Child & Maternal Health Centre

Please note that both the Medicare logo and Australian Government crest must be

present and identifiable to be considered a valid Immunisation History Statement.

the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) tel:1800 653 809 email:

[email protected]. This register assists families requiring advice and

translation of documents related to immunisations done in countries other than

Australia.

https://my.gov.au/LoginServices/main/login

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/online

mailto:[email protected]


Example of an Immunisation History Statement

□ Concession card – Health Care/Pension card

□ Court Orders

□ Medical Management Plans e.g. Asthma, Anaphylaxis

Enrolment steps

1. Navigate to the page on the website: Either use this link: www.earlyyears.ymca.org.au or visit our website: YMCA Early Years www.earlyyears.ymca.org.au

2. Click on the enrolment tab

3. Click on your selected Kindergarten

4. Read through the guide to enrolment information

5. Click on the “Click here to Enrol” icon as pictured

Kindergarten is free for some families….

Your child is eligible for free kindergarten in any of the following circumstances:

your child identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

your child is identified on their birth certificate as being a multiple birth child (triplets or more).

your child or family is, or has been known to Child Protection or Child FIRST

http://www.earlyyears.ymca.org.au/


OR if your child holds or has a parent or guardian who holds, one of the following:

a Commonwealth Health Care Card

a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card

a Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card or White

Card

Refugee or Asylum Seeker visa (200-204, 786 or 866) Bridging visas for any of the above Refugee or Asylum

Seeker visas Free Pre-kinder program (3 year old

kindergarten) for eligible children

If your three year old child is Aboriginal and or Torres Strait

Islander, or the child or family has been supported by Child

Protection or Child FIRST, they may be eligible for up to 15

hours of a free or low-cost kindergarten program if there are

places available.

No fees are required until March 2021 – if you

choose the Direct Debit option

Once your child has a fully confirmed place, you will be sent a Fee Agreement form if you do not meet

the above requirements for free kindergarten.

Kindergarten fees

Fees vary from kindergarten to kindergarten. Fees will be outlined on the Fee Agreement Form and

can be found on our website.

Payment options

There are three payment options:

Pay the full fee upfront and in advance. In this case, payment will be taken within 7 days of

receipt of the fee form, or your nominated, preferred date.

Pay fees by Direct Debit over 9 monthly instalments. The first instalment will be deducted in

March 2021.

Choose Direct Debit option on the Fee Agreement Form and provide banking details or

choose to pay the full amount before commencing the Kindergarten year (this then cancels

out the monthly payment arrangement).

Payment methods – for the full fee upfront option

By cheque: Families paying by cheque through an upfront payment should make this

payable to Ballarat YMCA and attach to their completed Fee Agreement Form.

By BPAY.


How do I know if my child has a place?

Submission of your enrolment application

Once your enrolment application has been submitted, confirmation will appear on the screen.

Advice of a place: Please see the table below which shows when you can expect communication

regarding your child’s kindergarten place.

In line with the No Jab, No Play Legislation, families of children whose immunisations are due

between the submission of their enrolment form and 1st December, will need to supply an updated

Immunisation History Statement before enrolment is fully confirmed.

In order to secure your child’s place, it is important that all documentation has been submitted.

Enrolments Open & Close

Advice of a place sent to families

Return of Forms

First Round Offers Open: 1st

July 2020

Close: 31st

August 2020

Week commencing 14

th September

To be returned within 7 days from date of letter

Second Round Offers Open: 1st

September 2020

Close: 2nd

October 2020

Week commencing 19

th October


Late & Ongoing Offers

Ongoing from 3

rd October 2020

2-4 weeks after all your enrolment information is submitted


Accepting the place

From the date of the Advice of a Place email being received, you have 7 days to reply to accept the

position. If not received within this time, families may lose the position offered.

What happens next?

Between December and January 2021, your child’s Kindergarten teacher will contact you with

details of orientation, a “get to know you” interview time and commencement date.

An exciting year awaits you and your child!


Changing details

Should you need to change any details e.g. kindergarten or group preferences, contact details etc

once the on-line enrolment form has been submitted please contact our enrolment team:

phone 4311 1500 or email: [email protected]

Prior to your child’s commencement at Kindergarten you will be provided with a unique family log-in.

You will be able to:

make changes to personal details

update authorisations

change banking details

Waiting lists

If your child’s name is placed on a Kindergarten waiting list, you will be advised in writing of the

waiting list number. If you choose to leave your child’s name on the waiting list, you will be advised in

writing of any changes that occur to the waiting list, or if a place becomes available.

Additional needs

YEYM is committed to supporting children with additional needs. The information collected on the

application form ensures families and children have access to additional assistance with the transition

of their child into kindergarten programs, regardless of the family’s circumstances or background. This

includes families whose children have significant disabilities, developmental delays, as well as

refugees and asylum seeker families.

Safeguarding Children and Young People

The YMCA Ballarat is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people.

The YMCA supports the concept that in our society every child and young person deserves the right

to thrive, learn and grow, be respected, valued and enabled to become an effective adult member of

the community.

Our organisation ensures that each person involved in the delivery of services to children and young

people understands their role and the behaviour we expect in safeguarding children and young

people from abuse and neglect.

YMCA Ballarat is a recognised Safeguarding Children and Young People organisation accredited by

the Australian Childhood Foundation.

A Parent Summary and a child version of the Safeguarding Children and Young

People Policy are available on our website.

mailto:[email protected]


YEYM Privacy Policy

YEYM (YMCA Early Years Management) collects information for the purpose of enrolling your child

for Kindergarten The information will be used for administration purposes and to inform the

Kindergarten of your contact details. No information will be disclosed to any other party except as

required by law.


Contact Details

YMCA Early Years Management (YEYM)

Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat, Vic 3350

P: 03 4311 1500

E: [email protected]

W: www.earlyyears.ymca.org.au

http://www.earlyyears.ymca.org.au/