Kindergarten registrations are open in Cardinia for 2023.
To be considered for first-round offers families need to register by Thursday, June 30.
In Cardinia, children can access two years of funded kindergarten before beginning school. If a child turns three-years-old by April 30, 2023 they are eligible to attend their first year of a funded kindergarten program, and if they turn four-years-old by April 30, 2023, they can access the second year of a funded kindergarten program.
Cardinia Shire mayor Jeff Springfield said kindergarten was an essential part of social and personal development for children.
"It helps to develop language skills, problem solving abilities and self-confidence," he said.
"Research shows that quality early education leads to better health, education and employment outcomes later in life, so we'd love to see local families enrol their children in kindergarten in Cardinia Shire."
The first year of kindergarten is partially funded by the state government for a minimum of five hours per week, and children must be three-years-old before commencing their first day. Offers for three-year-old kindergarten will be sent from September 2022.
The second year of kindergarten is also partially funded by the government, providing 15 hours per week for every child. Children must be four-years-old on or before April 30 the year they start four-year-old kindergarten. Offers for four-year-old kindergarten will be sent out from August 2022.
Registrations received after June 30 will be processed in second and later round offers.
For more information about kindergarten registration, visit Cardinia Shire Council's website at cardinia.vic.gov.au/kindergarten or call 1300 787 624.