Before school

There are many options available that offer your child the chance to play and mix with other children and begin to develop confidence away from home.

Playgroups

Playgroups are for everyone and a great opportunity for you and your child to get out and meet with other children and parents in your area. They are for children from birth to school, usually meet once a week for about two hours and are run by the members.

Child care

There are many types of child care available including family day care, in-home care, long day care, occasional care, before and after school care and vacation care.

Kindergarten and Pre-Primary

You may choose to enrol your child in kindergarten and pre-primary classes offered by the Department of Education and Training. Planning ahead is important as places in these sessions are limited. The principal of your local school will be able to help you with any queries that you have.

Kindergarten classes are offered to children turning four before June of the current year. Children may attend four sessions a week or on a part-time basis. Pre-primary sessions are offered to children turning five before June. These are available for five full days.  Local kindergartens and pre-primaries are listed in the White Pages under Schools - Government.

You might also like to read about who can help before school, the Commission support available and other useful information.