Parents preparing to send their children to kindergarten in 2026 are being encouraged to attend two open days.
The first open day will be held on Wednesday, March 5, from 5-7pm, and the second will run on Saturday, May 3, from 9.30am – 12.30pm.
All children who turn three years old by April 30, 2026, will be eligible to attend a kindergarten program in 2026.
Registrations for 2026 enrolment will open online on March 11, with parents and guardians having until May 31 to submit registrations to be included in the first round of offers.
Mayor Mia Shaw said families could register any time during this period to be included in the first round of offers, noting that kindergarten places were not allocated on a first come, first served basis.
“Kindergarten lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning and development,” Cr Shaw said.
“It’s essential for families to explore their options and find a program that suits their child’s needs.”
According to the council, determining if a child is ready to enter kindergarten is based on their current stage of development, rather than their intelligence or parenting style.
Factors for consideration are can your child separate from you with minimal distress, especially with support from educators; can your child request for help and are they easily understood; and are they able to share and engage positively with up to 33 children.
Independence in matters such as feeding themselves and going to the toilet alone should also be assessed when determining a child’s kinder readiness.
Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/kinder
Jaidyn Kennedy
