Below are some FAQ’s that parents have about Progress Kindergarten and enrolling in kindergarten generally.
Kindergarten Eligibility
When should my child start Kinder?
Children are eligible for 3 year old kindergarten if they turn 3 before 30 April, in the year they commence kinder. If your child is turning 4 before 30th April they can attend either 3 year old or 4 year old kinder, in that year.
The most important factor is the individual needs of your child and when it is best for them to commence school.
Please follow the link below to access the Kindergarten Age Calculator Kindergartens and Early Years Services – Moonee Valley City Council
My child doesn’t turn 3 until mid-March. Can they attend while they are 2 years old?
Due to our licensing requirements, children can only attend once they have had their third birthday. This is generally the case for all sessional kindergartens outside of Long Day Care Centres.
Can my child attend a second year of kinder?
Children are entitled to one year of free Three Year Old Kinder and one year of free Four Year Old Kinder. A second year of either 3 or 4 year old kindergarten are accessible IF children show delays in 2 learning and development areas and the application is approved.
A second year of unfunded Kindergarten cannot be guaranteed and we recommend speaking with educators prior to enrolment, if you have any questions.
Program Structure
What are your sessions days and times for 2027?
Our 4 year old program will follow a rotational model spread over three days; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. This means children will receive 15 hours of play based learning spread across two days out of the three days..
Our 3 year old program will expand to a two day, 15 hour program in 2027. This will be offered on Thursdays & Fridays.
All of our 3 and 4 year-old programs will run from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
I have heard that some families are eligible for additional hours. How do I know if this applies to my family?
Under the Victorian Government Best Start Best Life reforms some families are eligible for additional, hours commencing in 2026 and 2028. This will generally be identified in the application and enrolment process, however you can also follow this link to check 2026 and 2028 priority cohort groups | vic.gov.au
Class Size and Support
How many children and educators are in each class?
Our classes have a maximum at 28 children ad we always have 3 educators present.
How does the Kinder provide for children with additional needs?
We welcome all children at Progress Kindergarten and we work to meet them where they are at, regardless of their physical, emotional or neurological needs. Our programs are designed with a focus on inclusion and flexibility, and your teacher will work collaboratively with your family to ensure your child’s needs are met.
Does my child have to be toilet trained to attend kinder?
Children do not have to be toilet trained to attend kinder. Educators will support children at all stages of their toilet training journey.
Food, Eating and Allergies
What about lunches?
Families will need to provide a lunch box and a water bottle for the day. We suggest a main, fruits and vegetables and a few snacks for throughout the day. Lunch boxes are available for children to self serve and make choices about their own hunger and meals. We ask that you please do not send any juice, lollies or chocolate bars in your child’s lunch box.
Do children eat at set times or is it flexible?
There are no set eating times – however teaching staff ensure that every child eats and drinks throughout the day. Progressive eating times give children the opportunity to listen to their own body cues around hunger and fullness. This is an important life skill to practice.
How do you deal with allergies?
We work closely with families that experience allergies and align our practices with what makes families comfortable while maintaining safety. This may include asking families to avoid sending certain allergens, if deemed necessary. This will be communicated during orientation sessions at the beginning of the year as well as via email, with reminders throughout the year.
Enrolment
How do I apply for Progress Kindergarten?
Kindergarten applications Progress Kindergarten are allocated through the Moonee Valley Council’s Central Registration System and allow families the convenience of indicating their preferences for several kindergartens at one time rather than applying to each individual facility.
Registrations for the 2027 kindergarten year opened on 24th March. When applications open, you will be able to register your child online via a link available on the Moonee Valley Council Website. Families with children currently enrolled in 3‑year‑old kindergarten in 2026 will receive a direct email with a personalised link to register for 4‑year‑old kindergarten.
Community Kinder and Parent Involvement
What does ‘community kinder’ mean?
Progress Kindergarten has a proud tradition of community management and involvement.
We rely on the support and generosity of the families in our community to work alongside our staff to ensure the kinder meets all legal obligations, operates efficiently, and offers the best environment for the children.
The Kindergarten operates as an Incorporated Association and is solely managed by a Committee of Management made up of parents whose children attend its programs.
Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting and any person can nominate, with no special skills required to take on a role. The Committee of Management is responsible for all aspects of the operational and strategic goals of Progress Kindergarten, including financial, legal, employment, planning and policy-making decisions.
The parent volunteers who make up the Committee of Management are well supported by the Director, specialist contractors and other members of the kindergarten community, and are rewarded with a unique opportunity to have input into a place that their children love.
How can I help out at kinder?
We support and encourage family involvement in all aspects of our service. This can include formal involvement as a volunteer on the parent committee, helping out more informally with tasks such as fundraising and working bees, or spending time helping out in the kinder program with your child.
Speak to your child’s teacher or reach out to the Committee of Management to get involved.
