In instances where more eligible children apply for a place at a service than there are places available, CPSG must prioritise children based on the criteria outlined in the Department of Education and Training’s Kindergarten Funding Guide and work with other local kindergarten services and the regional Department office to ensure all eligible children have access to a kindergarten place.
The priority of access assessment process determines which applicants are granted a “high priority” place in a specific kindergarten service and group.
The table below outlines the relative weighting for each factor CPSG will consider when allocating place.
Children at risk of abuse or neglect, including Out-of-Home-Care
- The child is eligible for Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early Learning, and/or
- The family, carer or legal guardian identifies the child as known to or having had contact with Child Protection or in out-of-home care and/or
- The parent or carer or child is experiencing family violence and/or has had contact with The Orange Door and/or
- The child or family has previously accessed Flexible Support Packages and/or
- The child or family is referred by one of the following:
- Child Protection
- Child and family services
- Maternal and Child Health nurse
- Out-of-home care provider.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Children
Asylum seekers and refugee children
- The child, a parent, a carer or a legal guardian holds, has previously held, or is applying for, a refugee or asylum seeker visa, and/or
- The child, a parent, a carer or a legal guardian holds a current or expired Immicard, and/or
- Children, parents, carers or legal guardians who previously held refugee or asylum seeker visa and now hold Australian Citizenship or permanent residency.
Children and/or families holding concession cards
A child or parent holds a Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Car, Veterans’ Affairs Card.
Children from families with multiple births
Multiple birth children (i.e. triplets or more).
Children and/or families with additional needs who require additional assistance to fully participate in the kindergarten program
Child and family with additional needs who meet one of the following.
Child:
- is eligible under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or undergoing a continuing assessment of a disability under the NDIS (supported by a letter from a medical practitioner or specialist)
- is eligible for Early Childhood Intervention Service Continuity of Support (ECIS COS)
- is diagnosed with a disability or developmental delay or are undergoing diagnosis (supported by a letter from a medical practitioner or specialist)
- presents with developmental concerns that presents barriers to accessing a kindergarten program (supported by a letter or other evidence from a MCH nurse or similar practitioner such as an allied health practitioner)
- has complex medical needs that presents barriers to accessing a kindergarten program (supported by a letter from a medical practitioner or specialist)
- holds a Disability Health Care Card
- previously accessed the Kindergarten Inclusion Support Program, Commonwealth Inclusion Support Program or another similar program
- the child is referred by one of the following:
- the National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Early Childhood Intervention Service Continuity of Support (ECIS COS)
- Preschool Field Officer program, or
- MCH nurse or similar professional such as an allied health specialist, where developmental concerns have been identified.
Parent or carer:
- is eligible under the NDIS or undergoing a continuing assessment of a disability under the NDIS (supported by a letter from a medical practitioner or specialist)
- has complex medical needs that present barriers to accessing a kindergarten program (supported by a letter from a medical practitioner or specialist)
- holds a Disability Health Care Card.
Children accessing an additional year of Three- and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten or Pre-Prep
Children assessed with delays in two or more areas and are identified as eligible for an additional year of funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, Four-Year-Old Kindergarten or Pre-Prep.
Children currently attending the serviceChildren attending the service in the Three-Year-Old Kindergarten program and seeking to access Four-Year-Old Kindergarten or Pre-Prep at the same service for continuity of learning Priority should be given to these children to reamian at the same service for their Four-Year-Old Kindergarten or Pre-Prep year. |
Sibling in attendance/has previously been in attendance
A sibling currently attends the service or has within the past 3 years
You will be required to advise the name of the child and the year enrolled in the place provided on the application form
Children who are residents of the Shire of Southern Grampians
All eligible children who are residents of the Shire of Southern Grampians (residential proximity to the service, using Google maps, will be considered).
At the time of registration, you may be asked to provide ONE supporting document, e.g. rates notice, utility bill, driver’s licence.
All eligible children whose parent/carer works or studies in the Shire of Southern Grampians.
At the time of registration, you may be asked to provide supporting documentation from an employer or education provider.