Frequently asked questions

Each centre has unique session times and enrolment process. Please refer to the individual centre profile page for full details on the three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs. View a list of all ECMS kindergartens and preschools.

Children typically progress to four-year-old kindergarten the following year. Where there are concerns from either you or your child’s educators, a second year of four-year-old kindergarten can be considered.

No, if your child turns three between the start of term and the 30th of April, you can accept a place, but they will not be able to attend until they turn three.

Sessional/ Free Kindergarten (also known as preschool) typically runs for several hours, two to three days a week, during school term time. If you need longer hours of care, consider registering at one of our centres offering long-day kindergarten sessions by clicking here.

Your child will need a backpack or bag, a refillable water bottle, a change of clothes, a wide-brim sun hat and their favourite toy, which can help them settle in.

Children love community visits. Experiencing different environments and groups of people helps them learn. You’ll get plenty of information in advance and have opportunities to ask questions. The centre will also need your written permission before your child can take part.

Germs spread quickly, and home is the best place when we’re unwell. Please keep your child home for at least 24 hours if they show any of these symptoms.

• 38C and higher temperature

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Rashes that can’t be explained

• Red, swollen and discharging eyes

• Unusually lethargic, irritable or not eating and drinking

When your child is feeling better with no symptoms for 24 hours, they’re welcome to return.

Infectious diseases

If your child has an infectious disease, please keep them at home and let us know straight away. Whatever you tell us is confidential.

See the list of infectious diseases at www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/school-exclusion-table

If your child becomes unwell while at the centre, teachers will make them comfortable and ask you to pick them up. If you’re not available, they’ll call one of the other contacts listed on your enrolment form.

Whether it’s a one-off issue or requires ongoing care, talk to your teachers if your child is on regular medication or has food allergies or intolerances. The team is there to support your family, and the more you can tell them, the better they can help. They will ask you for information from your doctor about how much your child takes and how often. Also, let the team know when anything changes. They will set up a new plan to support you, including any necessary training.

ECMS is a Child Safe organisation. We rigorously follow the child-safe standards set out by the Victorian Government. These standards guide us to drive a child safe culture, provide appropriate strategies and actions to put the interests of children first, keeping them safe from harm. We are committed to involving families and communities in our efforts to keep children safe.

Engaging in risky play is vital for children’s learning and development. Our teaching teams plan for and support opportunities for children to explore their environment and challenge themselves within play. Navigating risk promotes problem solving, persistence and resilience, and in a safe environment, is lots of fun!