Playgroups and Kindergartens

Kindergartens

Kindergarten provides developmentally-appropriate programs that further the social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development of children. There are several providers across the municipality providing both 3-year-old and 4-year old -kindergarten services.

Pre-Prep kicks off in Strathbogie Shire in 2026. Services will be delivering up to 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, and between 16 and 20 hours of Pre-Prep each week. Pre-Prep gives children even greater access to the many benefits of early childhood education.

Free Kinder will continue to be available at both participating standalone (sessional) kindergartens and long day care centres.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from a refugee or asylum seeker background and children who have had contact with Child Protection are prioritised for access to Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs. Any child who was supported by Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early Learning in their Three-Year Old Kindergarten year is also eligible for Pre-Prep from 2026. Pre-Prep hours will range from 16 to 25 hours each week for children who meet this eligibility criteria.

To find out more about the benefits of kindergarten and to find your closest service, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/kindergarten. Contact your local services for more information about their programs and go to their website for more information about how to register and enrol.

You can also visit vic.gov.au/sending-child-kinder for more information, including starting age. Registration for 3-year-old Kindergarten occurs the year before, often when your child is 2 years old.

Supported Playgroups

The Smalltalk supported playgroups provide a place for you and your child to play and socialise with others, supported by an early childhood professional. They are free, provide a healthy morning tea and are offered across the Shire.
Supported playgroup programs are for eligible families (see enrolment criteria below) attending with a child(ren) aged 0 to school age. Delivered over 10 weeks, they provide tips and strategies to support your child’s learning in a fun and relaxed way.
The playgroups also a great way to meet other families with children in your area!

The program is offered during school terms in:

• Avenel – Monday, 10am to noon | Uniting Church building, 10 Queen St
• Nagambie – Tuesday, 10am to noon | Nagambie Lakes Community House, 363 High St
• Euroa – Wednesday, 10am to noon | Euroa Primary Schoolhouse, Clifton St

Enrolment Criteria

To enrol families must meet at least one of these criteria:

• Holder of Health Care Card or equivalent
• Identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Caring for children in kinship (out of home care)
• Children referred by Child First or Child Protection
• Families enrolled in enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services
• Some families may qualify under social isolation, or for in-home support either separate to, or in addition to supported playgroup.

Facilitator: Candy Wunsch | Phone: 0459 792 939 | Email: candy.wunsch@strathbogie.vic.gov.au