Sessional kindergarten 2009/2010
SESSIONAL KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2009-2010
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.