Macedon Ranges council is now able to offer more hours per week of three-year-old kindergarten in 2023, thanks to increased funding from the state government.
Kyneton, Lancefield, Macedon, Riddells Creek and Woodend kindergartens will offer 7.5 hours per week of three-year-old kinder in 2023, which is an increase from five hours per week in 2022.
Council said Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre, Romsey Kindergarten and Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre will offer 15 hours per week of three-year-old kindergarten.
“This is possible as there are fewer children enrolled in the four-year-old program at these centres, and therefore more availability to increase three-year-old program hours,” council said.
Community director Maria Weiss said council endeavoured to offer kinder places to as many children as possible, and has needed to adjust hours at certain services to maximise the number of children being able to access kindergarten places next year.
“Where there are limited vacancies, we’ve prioritised access to three-year-old kindergarten over the number of weekly hours delivered, to ensure as many children as possible have access to Council’s kindergarten program,” Ms Weiss said.
“Council is pleased to offer increased hours for three-year-old kindergarten in 2023 at all of our services and looks forward to welcoming the new cohort of children as they embark on their educational journey in the new year.”
Families who have already registered for next year can expect to receive more information about enrolment later this month.
Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/kindergarten.
