Enrolling at Padua Kindergarten

Thank you for considering Padua Kindergarten for your child's early education. We're here to assist you in any way possible, from answering your questions to providing more information about our programs. Our goal is to support you in making an informed decision that is right for your child.

Padua Kindergarten has clear guidelines for the management of our waiting list and the allocation of available places. We welcome you to request our waitlist philosophy to gain a better understanding of our approach.

Interviews / Tours
As a small & locally owned kindergarten, we believe in fostering personal connections with families who are interested in enrolling their children. We will conduct tours mainly on a yearly basis or as spots become available. Yearly interviews begin in May of the year before enrolment. Because places are limited, we encourage you to submit your application online as early as possible to secure your spot.

 

On receiving your interestwe will contact you personally + send some program information out straight away with a link for tour times to suit you and your family. 

Fee Information 

Padua Kindergarten currently offers a choice of full time or part time (up to 5 days is available)​

• Padua programs run e very day from 7.00am to 5.30pm

 

Padua Kindergarten operates under a competitive daily set fee. This is discussed on connecting. Benefits & Free Kinder is applied on enrolment to families eligible.  

 

CCS

From 10 July 2023, the Commonwealth Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is making high-quality early education and care more affordable for Australian families.

This is incredible news for families, with the changes going some way towards making child care more affordable and inclusive for Australian families.

 

CCS Information

• If your family earns less than $80,000 per year, your Child Care Subsidy rates will increase from 85% to 90%.

• If your family earns under $530,000 per year, you’ll now be eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy rates.

• Your Child Care Subsidy rates will decrease 1% for every additional $5,000 earned over $80,000.

• Families with more than one child aged 5 or under can still get a higher rate for their second and younger children.

• First Nations children will be eligible for at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.

• Families can get more subsidised hours based on their circumstances.

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Keep in mind that the current Calculator is only an estimation and the accuracy of the results depend on the accuracy of your answers.

Similarly, it does not take into account certain situations, including:

• if you are repaying any money to Centrelink, or have had your payment reduced, or;

• the assets test, or;

• if you are paid under a Social Security Agreement, or;

• if you are overseas.

If you have any questions about the subsidy, calculator or our fees, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The amount of Child Care Subsidy (CCS) you are entitled to will depend on four things:

✓ How much ‘recognised’ activity you and your partner undertake each fortnight.  

✓ The entitlement is based on the lesser activity figure for a member of a couple.

✓ What your combined family income is. The child care fees you pay (hourly rate caps apply for each service type).

✓ The number and age of children you have in 'approved' care.

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*Based on eldest or only child. Families with more than one child may be eligible for a higher subsidy for their second child and younger children.

*The $12.74 hourly cap applied above is a 2022 figure and is subject to change with the Commonwealth Government’s announcement of the 2024 CCS hourly cap changes.

To read more about combined annual income and the annual cap, click here for further information from Services Australia.

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For further information visit the Australian Government’s website Centrelink CCS 

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STATE FUNDED PROGRAM

Both our 3 & 4 Year-Old Program is a Funded Program and is delivered by qualified Kindergarten teachers and educators. The funded program allows families to receive the Free Kinder funding for families, subject to meeting specified terms and conditions.​

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Information on Free Kinder in 2023

Free Kinder in 2023 is part of the Andrews Government ambitious $9 billion commitment to expand kindergarten programs across the state. This record commitment is part of the ongoing reform to the early years in Victoria to ensure every child gets the best start in life.

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This means more children will have access to quality early childhood education before they start school. Our service is participating in this program and your family will benefit in 2023.

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Is my child eligible for the Free Kinder Subsidy?

The Victorian state government says families with children born between January and April can choose which year to start 3-year-old kinder – either the same year they turn three, or in the year they turn four.

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How much can I save with the Free Kinder Subsidy?

Fee reductions for Free Kinder will be a monthly credited to your account equal to the $2000 per child ($40 per week = $200 per month). The Payments will show as ‘Victorian Free Kinder 2023 fee offset’ on your statement

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It has been advertised as “free kinder”. Why do I still have to pay fees?

The government has introduced the “Free Kinder” program to improve access and affordability of registered kindergarten programs through a subsidy for families.

In a long day setting, our educators and teachers provide a full day of education and care with an integrated kindergarten program. These extended services and hours incur additional operational costs which a standalone kindergarten program doesn't incur, only operating for selected times and days, would not incur. Due to these additional operational costs and the broader service provided, families enrolled in the kindergarten program from 2023 will still need to pay some gap fees.

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Can my child complete a second year of funded kindergarten?

A child currently enrolled in a funded three-year-old kindergarten program cannot attend another year of three-year-old funded kindergarten. However, if in consultation with management and your early childhood teacher, you believe that your child would benefit from repeating three-year-old kindergarten, they can attend as an unfunded child who doesn’t receive the government subsidy, if there are vacancies available. Padua proudly supports children starting school in the year they turn 6, which allows 3 yrs. under a qualified Kindergarten teacher before school. We welcome all conversations and questions in regards. Padua prides itself on an individual approach to all children's educational + social emotional needs. 

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A child currently enrolled in a funded four-year-old kindergarten program may be able to attend a second year of funded kindergarten if assessed by your early childhood teacher that a second year of kindergarten is appropriate. There are guidelines that an early childhood teacher will follow to identify if your child is eligible. It is important that you and your early childhood teacher work together to achieve the best outcome for your child.

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Will this impact my Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

No. The Free Kinder subsidy is separate from CCS, and its credit will be applied after any CCS is paid and appear as a financial credit adjustment.

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Where can I find more information?

You can find more information at the Best Start Best Life Victorian Government Website here.

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Join Padua's Waitlist

Take the first step towards your child's education by filling out our online form and adding them to our waitlist. Our programs are open to all and can be accessed through the buttons below. We will be in contact on receiving your information. 

 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Padua at 0359 761022 or send an email to info@paduakindergarten.com.au.