To put your child's name on the sessional kindergarten waiting list, please complete a waiting list form on line via this link . This enrolment procedure applies to sessional kindergarten waiting list applications only.
To place your child on the waiting list for long day care, please ph the City of Port Phillip on 9209 6360.
Quality children’s services offer:
Long day care provides part time or full time (1 – 5 days per week) care and education for children 0—6 years usually for the purpose of parents working or studying.
Sessional kindergarten, also known as preschool, provides sessional care and education programs for 3 and 4 year old children. Eligible 4 year old children attend 11 hours per week; 3 year old children attend 6 hours per week.
Important information for families using both LDC and Sessional Kindergarten for 3 and 4 YO children - 2010/2011
Historically there has been confusion with regards to using both Long Day Care (LDC) and Sessional Kindergarten for 3 and 4 YO kindergarten at Poets Grove. This letter aims to clarify the situation and make you aware of the centre's policy so you can make your decision regarding which service you require for your child in future years.
Any family using LDC who is offered a place for 3 YO sessional kindergarten can use both services because 3 YO sessional kindergarten is not funded by the government. BUT parents need to look further ahead to 4 YO kindergarten and make a decision about whether they wish to access LDC or sessional kindergarten.
At Poets Grove the policy states that children can only use one of the services for 4 YO kindergarten. Please also note that priority for places in LDC will be given to working families and to children currently attending LDC pre kindergarten only. If you have accepted a place in 3 year old sessional kindergarten you may not be offered the days you are requesting in LDC and then you may find it difficult to continue in to Extended Hours Kindergarten.
The timetable for 3 and 4 YO sessional kindergarten may change annually if the need arises. In 2011 we are offering working families the opportunity to use the Green Group (sessional kindergarten with after care) for two days a week. These days are currently Tuesday and Thursday (8.30am-5.30pm). The group is limited to 15 children. If you require any other day or extra days of care you will need to choose or remain in LDC. If you are using 3 YO sessional kindergarten we cannot guarantee that there will be any vacancies in LDC in 2011.
Poets Grove teaching staff in both services recommend that it would be in the best interest of your child to choose one program for his/her kindergarten year. Having different carers/teachers and being in different groups of children is confusing for children and hinders their learning and development.
Both services for 4 YO kindergarten programs are planned in a similar way. Qualified kindergarten teachers are employed. They will be implementing the Victorian Early Years Learning and Developmental Framework, which links the learning outcomes and pedagogy in the National Early Years Framework to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards to provide continuity for children's learning and development. The Extended Hours Kindergarten program in LDC includes rest time, lunch and snacks.
The Department of Education & Early Childhood Development (DEECD) provides a per capita grant for every child attending a 4 year old kindergarten program. This funding enables the centre to employ qualified kindergarten teachers, allowing children to receive a minimum 10 hours of kindergarten per week in the year prior to starting school. Each child can access this funding only once! Your child cannot be enrolled in two funded programs and the funding is for only one year although a child who is formally assessed as having significant additional needs may be entitled to a second year of funded pre-school. This does not include children who are delaying entry to school because their parents think that they are too young.
Families are required to sign a form acknowledging that they are aware that the centre is in receipt of this funding for their child and that their child is not enrolled in another funded program at a different childcare centre or kindergarten.
In the event that during the year, places become available in either 4 year old program and the place cannot be filled from the wait list, then a family may choose to use the second program providing that they pay the dollar amount equivalent to the amount the centre receives from the Government. (Approximately $1900.00)
The Committee of Management is aware that some families would like to use both services, however Poets Grove is unable to vary the funding agreement with DEECD.
We hope this information assists families currently looking at options for 3 and 4 YO kindergarten and also assists families with younger children who will need to decide which kindergarten program best suits their work/family needs in coming years.
If you have further questions, please contact Lynne Mohr (Centre Manager) or Theresa Mongan (Enrolment Officer).
Sessional kindergarten is a structured kindergarten program consisting of the following hours:
3 year olds - 6 hours per week (two three hour sessional kindergarten sessions)
3 year olds - 4 hours per week (one session Early Learning Gold Group)
4 year olds - 11 hours per week (One long and one half session or three shorter sessions)
(One long and one half session with aftercare for both days)
Our sessional kindergarten program is managed by Kate O'Leary.
When can I register for 3 and/or 4 year old sessional kindergarten?
The earliest you can register is 31st of January the year your child is turning two.
How do I register?
Registrations are preferred via our online application form available at www.poetsgrove.com
For families without internet access, applications will be taken by phone or have application form posted out.
Online applications will receive an automated reply that your application has been received by Poets Grove.
A confirmation letter/email will be sent to all wait list applicants approximately two weeks after you apply, confirming the service you have applied for, general contact details and the year you wish your child to commence.
How old does my child need to be?
Your child will need to be 3 years old by 31st January in the year the child is to commence 3yo sessional kindergarten.
Your child will need to be 3 years old by 30th April in the year the child is to commence 3yo Early Learning Gold Group. The child cannot start sessions until their birthday.
Your child will need to be 4 years old by 30th April in the year the child is to commence 4yo sessional kindergarten.
When do the offers go out?
First round offers for 4 YO Kindergarten 2010 will be sent on 22nd June 2009.
First round offers for 3 YO Kindergarten 2010 will be sent on 17th July 2009.
You will also receive notification if your child is not successful for the first round offers.
Parents have two weeks to accept the offer.
After three weeks, second round offers will be sent.
When will I know if I have a place for my child?
Confirmation letters will be sent to all successful parents in September 2009, once the group preferences have been finalised.
Families that have been unsuccessful in obtaining a place in our sessional kindergarten service will be sent correspondence after second round offers close.
Unsuccessful applications will remain on our wait list. As children depart the service, wait list families will contacted and offered a place.
What are the fees?
3 year old kindergarten – 6 hours per week - $495.00 per term per child (2010)
3 year old Early Learning Gold Group - 4 hours per week - $400.00 per term per child (2010)
4 year old kindergarten - 11 hours per week - $440.00 per term per child (2010)
Theses fees are subject to change and any fee change will be communicated via our website.
What are the selection criteria for 3yo and 4yo sessional kindergarten 2010?
The following criteria are prioritised from 1 to 9:
1. Date of application
2. Children repeating kindergarten
3. Previous sibling attending Poets Grove, Scott St Children's Centre or St Bedes
4. Elwood resident
5. Children with disabilities or special needs
6. Children from other suburbs within the City of Port Phillip
7. Children from other councils.
Please refer to the website for more detail.
Where is my child on the wait list?
Wait list positions are not disclosed to parents, however the higher and more of the criteria satisfied, the better your enrolment potential.
Children who attend the Poets Grove 3yo sessional kindergarten service will automatically receive a place for 4yo kindergarten before the above selection criteria is considered.
When can my child and I visit the kindergarten facilities?
Families who have accepted places for 2010 sessional kindergarten will be invited to attend a parent information night and an orientation session for you and your child in November. Parent and child also have the opportunity to meet the child's teacher to discuss any personal details prior to starting in February.
Poets Grove conducts a public open day every year, providing the opportunity to visit Poets Grove and tour the centre. Our next open day will be held on Saturday, 5th September 2009. Details of this event are displayed on our website.
When does 3yo and 4yo sessional kindergarten commence?
The first term of the year usually starts a week later than public school, but all other terms follow the school term dates. The starting dates will be confirmed at orientation.
Sessional kindergarten is a structured kindergarten program consisting of the following hours:
3 year olds - 6 hours per week (two three hour sessions)
3 year olds - 3 hours per week (one session Early Learning Gold Group – for children with birthdates between 1st February – 30th April)
4 year olds - 11 hours per week (two long and one half session or three shorter sessions) (One long and one half session with aftercare for both days) Our sessional kindergarten program is managed by Kate O'Leary, Sessional Kindergarten Coordinator.
When can I register for 3 and/or 4 year old sessional kindergarten?
The earliest you can register is 31st of January the year your child is turning two.
How do I register?
Registrations are preferred via our online application form available at www.poetsgrove.com (Go to Services/Enrolments) For families without internet access, applications will be taken by phone or have application form posted out. Online applications will receive an automated reply that your application has been received by Poets Grove. You must be on the Poets Grove waitlist to be eligible for a place in Poets Grove’s sessional kindergarten program. A confirmation letter/email will be sent to all wait list applicants approximately two weeks after you apply, confirming the service you have applied for, general contact details and the year you wish your child to commence. If you have not received an emailed confirmation of your application within that time please call the office.
How old does my child need to be?
Your child will need to be 3 years old by 31st January in the year the child is to commence 3yo sessional kindergarten.
Your child will need to be 3 years old by 30th April in the year the child is to commence 3yo Early Learning Gold Group.
Your child will need to be 4 years old by 30th April in the year the child is to commence 4yo sessional kindergarten.
What is the enrolment process?
PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROCESS HAS CHANGED FROM PREVIOUS YEARS Children currently attending 3 YO kindergarten then continuing on to 4 YO kindergarten are required to fill in a “request for a place” form between the dates of 31st May – 4th June 2010. Parents must fill in the “request for a place” form and pay the enrolment fee of $50.00 to be eligible for a place. This form will be processed on a first in priority basis. If Poets Grove has not received a “request for a place” form and the fee of $50.00 by the due date stated above from the families currently attending Poet Grove, the place will be withdrawn and given to another applicant on the waiting list. There will be no reminders. Enrolment week for 4 YO kindergarten 2011 - 31st May- 4th June 2010. Enrolment week for 3 YO kindergarten and the Gold group 2011- 5th July – 9th July 2010.
ALL waitlisted families that have applied for sessional kindergarten and have received a notification from Poets Grove of a “confirmation of their Application” are required to complete a “request for a place” form within the Enrolment week. This is the only way your original application will be processed. If we do not receive the “request for a place” form within the Enrolment week (date specified above), your application will NOT be processed and a potential place will not be allocated. Parents must fill in the “request for a place” form to be eligible for a place. This form will be processed in accordance with your date of application and the selection criteria of this service. If Poets Grove has not received the $100.00 by the due date on your letter of confirmation from families on the Poets Grove waitlist the place will be withdrawn and given to another applicant on the waiting list. There will be no reminders.
When will I know if I have a place for my child?
If you are a family on the waitlist and received an email to confirm your place, you are required to pay $100.00 ($50.00 will be deducted from your Term 1 fees).
Confirmation letters for 4 YO kindergarten will be emailed to all successful parents on 15th June 2010.
Waitlisted Families – an Application fee of $100.00 must be paid between the dates of 15th June – 20th June 2010 to secure your place in 4YO kindergarten.
Confirmation letters for 3 YO kindergarten and the Gold group will be emailed to all successful parents on 12th July 2010.
Waitlisted Families – an Application fee of $100.00 must be paid between the dates of 12th July – 17th July 2010 to secure your place in 3YO kindergarten and the Gold Group. If you do not pay the fee within the above dates, your place will automatically be cancelled and given to other child. If you don’t receive a confirmation letter on that day, your request for a place will be waitlisted for your first group preference.
What are the fees?
3 year old kindergarten – 6 hours per week - $530.00 per term per child (2011)
3 year old Early Learning Gold Group - 3 hours per week - $430.00 per term per child (2011)
4 year old kindergarten - 11 hours per week - $470.00 per term per child (2011)
These fees are for the 2011 sessions and may change for 2012. Any fee change will be communicated via our website.
What are the selection criteria for GOLD Group, 3yo and 4yo sessional kindergarten 2011?
For the Gold group, 3YO and 4YO Sessional Kindergarten Please note: after all the criteria have been confirmed, the date of application is the priority. Selection Criteria for 3YO and 4YO sessional kindergarten with Elwood residents as a priority The following criteria are prioritised from 1 to 9:
1. Date of Application After all the selection criteria have been confirmed, the date of application is the priority.
1a. Children who have attended 3yo kindergarten at Poets Grove will automatically receive a place in 4yo sessional kindergarten
2. Children repeating Poets Grove sessional kindergarten
3. Sibling currently attending or has previously attended either Poets Grove (all services), Scott Street Children's Centre or St Bede’s, who is an Elwood Resident at the time of the offers being sent out
3a. Siblings CURRENTLY attending Poets Grove (all services) that reside outside of Elwood at the time of the offers being sent out
4. Children applying for 4 YO kindergarten with a date of birth between 1st of Feb and 30th April (who is an Elwood resident at the time of the offers being sent out).
5. Elwood resident
6. Siblings CURRENTLY attending or has previously attended either Poets Grove (all services), Scott Street Children's Centre or St Bede’s, that reside outside of Elwood at the time of the offers being sent out 6a. Children applying for 4 YO kindergarten with a date of birth between 1st of Feb and 30th April (who resides outside of Elwood at the time of the offers being sent out)
7. Children with disabilities or special needs
8. Children from other suburbs within the City of Port Phillip
9. Children from other councils This includes children from interstate. Please note: the child applicant applying for sessional kindergarten who has attended or is currently attending Poets Grove(long day care) does not receive priority of a place for sessional kindergarten. The child applicant MUST have had or has a SIBLING attend Poets Grove to receive the sibling preference. The child applicant will be processed as per the above selection criteria above.
Where is my child on the wait list?
Wait list positions are not disclosed to parents, however the higher and more of the criteria satisfied, the better your enrolment potential. Children who attend the Poets Grove 3yo sessional kindergarten service will automatically receive a place for 4yo kindergarten before the above selection criteria is considered.
When can my child and I visit the kindergarten facilities?
Families who have accepted places for sessional kindergarten will need to attend a parent information night in October and a compulsory Enrolment day in November for parents and their enrolled child in November. Parent and child also have the opportunity to meet the child's teacher to discuss any personal details prior to starting in February. Poets Grove conducts one sessional kindergarten tour every term, led by one of our lovely teachers, who will show you the kindergarten rooms and answer any questions. Details of the tours are displayed on our website.
When does 3yo and 4yo sessional kindergarten commence?
The first term of the year usually starts a week later than public school, but all other terms follow the school term dates. The starting dates will be confirmed on Enrolments Day. The Gold group sessions start the first week of term 2. The child must be three to start the sessions. Additional information on the website Log on to the website and read other information regarding our programing, policies, timetable, after care service, Gold group, holiday programs and newletters.
Should I apply at other centres for sessional kindergarten?
YES, you should apply to as many sessional kindergartens as you can. With waitlists growing every day and numbers of groups at capicity, you may not receive a place at Poets Grove. Therefore it is important to have an alternative option for your child’s kindergarten years. Please log on to the CoPP website for more sessional kindergartens within this precinct (www.portphillip.vic.gov.au). As another option at Poets Grove, you may also wish to apply for Extended Hours Kindergarten, which is part of our Long Day Care program. Both services for 4 YO kindergarten programs are planned in a similar way. Qualified kindergarten teachers are employed. They will be implementing the Victorian Early Years Learning and Developmental Framework, which links the learning outcomes and pedagogy in the National Early Years Framework to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards to provide continuity for children’s learning and development. The Extended Hours Kindergarten program in LDC includes rest time, lunch and snacks and operates five days per week from 7.15am – 6.15pm.
How do I apply for long day care and Extended Hours Kindergarten at Poets Grove?
This is a separate procedure from applying for sessional kindergarten. Applying for long day care (for babies to pre-school age – extended hours kindergarten) is not done directly with Poets Grove, but through the City of Port Phillip’s centralised waiting list. You can put your child on the waiting list for more than one community or council centre in the City of Port Phillip. To put your child’s name on the long day care waiting list, phone the City of Port Phillip on 9209 6360. This can be done while you are pregnant and any time after your baby is born.
Sessional Kindergarten (waitlist managed by Poets Grove via this website)
When you first apply to go on the waiting list, you will receive a confirmation email within 2 weeks.
Twice a year you will receive an update for the waiting list, it is essential that you respond to the update to remain on the waiting list.
In the middle of the year prior to your choice of kindergarten year, you will be posted a newsletter explaining our timetable and offer process. You will also receive a Request for a Place form which you will need to return within the allocated time period if you wish to be considered for a kindergarten place for the following year.
Long Day Care (waitlist managed by City of Port Phillip)
When a place becomes available in the age group that corresponds to your child’s age you will receive a telephone call offering you the place. If at this time you do not want to take up the place you will remain on the waiting list until another place becomes available.