Kindergarten & Playgroup
What is a kindergarten program?
Kindergarten (also known as kinder) is an early education program for young children aged three to five, led by a qualified early childhood teacher. Three-year-old kindergarten has been introduced across Victoria, which means families can now access two years of government-funded kindergarten for their children before they start school.
How will my child benefit from kindergarten?
Research shows that two years are better than one when it comes to early childhood education.
Children who attend educational play-based kindergarten develop lifelong skills that build their confidence, enhance their social and language skills, expand their physical abilities, and prepare them for schooling.
When can my child start kindergarten?
Kinder starts at three! A child needs to turn three before 30 April in the year they start. Families with children born between January and April can choose which year to start three-year-old kindergarten. If you aren’t sure you can talk to your Maternal and Child Health nurse or a kindergarten teacher.
Free or low-cost Kinder
Free three- and four-year-old kinder is available across Victoria at participating services at both long day care and sessional (standalone) services.
Participating kindergarten programs receive funding directly from the Victorian Government, so families are not out of pocket (and don’t have to claim the savings back). If your child attends a kindergarten program within a long day care setting, a $2,000 Free Kinder subsidy will offset the kindergarten program component of your out-of-pocket fees.
Long day care centres are required to pass on the full amount to parents as a direct reduction in their out-of-pocket fees. This will provide a free program for some families and a significantly reduced cost for other families, depending on service fees, number of days attended, and the amount of Commonwealth subsidy received.
KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS WITHIN THE BENALLA RURAL CITY
All funded Kindergartens have qualified teachers leading the programs
For more information on Kinders within Benalla Rural City, download the Kindergarten Info Sheet(PDF, 9MB) or contact any of the providers below:
SESSIONAL/STANDALONE KINDERGARTENS
Bernard Briggs
72 Church St Benalla
PH: 5762 1610
E: bernard.briggs.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au
W: www.nerpsa.com.au
Ride Avenue Pre School
15 Ride Ave Benalla
PH: 5762 1350
E: ride.ave.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au
W:www.rideavenuepreschool.com
Munro Avenue Preschool
14-16 Munro Ave Benalla
PH: 5762 3052
E: munro.ave.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au
W: www.nerpsa.com.au
KINDERGARTENS IN LONG DAY CARE SETTINGS
Pro Kidz Early Learning Centre
33 Sydney Rd Benalla
PH: 5762 1784
E: info@prokidz.com.au
Gumnuts Resort
31 Carrier St Benalla
PH: 5762 7699
E: ggumnut@bigpond.net.au
Visit the community directory to find kindergartens in Benalla Rural City.
The directory also shows playgroups in Benalla Rural City.
Benalla Supported Playgroup
Benalla's Supported Playgroup is initiated and led by a paid coordinator or facilitator. These playgroups are for families that may require extra support. The professional leader is there to assist and help in a wide range of areas. It is at a supported playgroup that families can seek out advice, find information about support services and extend their social network.
Funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Supported Playgroup provides a safe and nurturing environment for children and parents to form new connections, gain confidence and improve existing parenting skills.
To be eligible for Supported Playgroup, referral requirements must be met, including a family member must hold a Health Care Card or is referred from Council’s Enhanced Maternal Child Health service.
For more information click here(PDF, 10MB).