Kindergarten registration

Find out how to register your child/ren for Kindergarten on the Darebin Kindergarten Registration System.

Kindergarten Open Evenings

Kindergarten Open Evenings are happening in February 2025.

Local Kindergartens across Darebin will be open for you to visit and see their rooms and outdoor spaces.

Thursday 20 February for Kindergarten Services SOUTH of Bell Street 6pm - 8pm (last tour at 7.30pm)

Level 1, 60 High Street, Preston

Please note:  

• Please note last tours will be held at 7.30pm.
• Children are welcome at the tours, but care is not provided.
• You can contact services to arrange a day time tour if you are unable to make it to the open evenings. This includes other services across Darebin. 

Tuesday 25 February for Kindergarten Services NORTH of Bell Street 6pm - 8pm (last tour at 7.30pm)

Please note:  

• Please note last tours will be held at 7.30pm.
• Children are welcome at the tours, but care is not provided.
• You can contact services to arrange a day time tour if you are unable to make it to the open evenings. This includes other services across Darebin. 

When do kindergarten registrations open?

Kindergarten registrations open 1st March each year for the following years registration, register your interest before 30 June to be a part of round one offers (See Kindergarten allocation and offer process)

New family kindergarten registrations

For new families who have never had a registration on the Darebin childcare or kindergarten waiting list:

1. Select online registration portal
2. Select Sign up for Waitlist
3. Complete all areas of the registration form
4. Provide proof of Darebin Address
5. Provide proof of Concession Card (if this applies to you)
6. There is no charge to register for kindergarten
7. Submit your registration
8. You will receive an email confirming your registration has been added to the waiting list.

Existing family kindergarten registrations

Register another child

Login to the online registration portal and follow these steps:

1. Enter your username and password
2. Go to Profile (top right of screen)
3. Select Waitlist
4. Click on "Register another child". This will open another registration form with your details prepopulated
5. Provide proof of Darebin Address
6. Provide proof of Concession Card (if this applies to you)
7. No charge to register for kindergarten
8. You will receive an email confirming your registration has been added to the waiting list.

Register for another program

For families who currently have a childcare registration and want to register for 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten. Or, for families who currently have a 3-year-old kindergarten registration and want to register for 4-year-old kindergarten.

Select the online registration portal and follow these steps:

1. Select Login
2. Enter your username and password
3. Go to Profile (top right of screen)
4. Select Waitlist
5. Click on "Register another child". This will open another registration form with your details prepopulated
6. Provide proof of Darebin Address
7. Provide proof of Concession Card (if this applies to you)
8. No charge to register for kindergarten
9. You will receive an email confirming your registration has been added to the waiting list.

Forgotten password

Login to the online registration portal and follow these steps:

• Enter username
• Select Forgot password?
• An email will be sent with a link to reset your password. Complete the steps in the email to login to your account 

The portal allows you to view and update your registration form at any time.

To do this you navigate to your profile (right hand corner) and select waitlist.

Contact the registration team if you are having issues accessing the portal.

Kindergarten Registration Team 
Phone: 03 8470 8825 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
Email: registration.kindergartenchildcare@darebin.vic.gov.au

When should my child start kinder?

3-year-old kindergarten

Deciding when your child starts kindergarten is important and can affect the age at which they start school. Some families prefer to wait until their child is a bit older to send them to kindergarten.

Your child is eligible to attend 3-year-old kindergarten if they turn three by 30 April in the year of attending kindergarten.

If your child's birthday is in the early months of the year, they will not be able to start kindergarten until after they turn three, even if the term has begun.

Once your child starts 3-year-old kindergarten, they are expected to attend 4-year-old kindergarten the following year, then prep the year after.

Choosing the best year to commence 3-year-old kindergarten is important. There is no option to repeat 3-year-old kindergarten.

A child who starts 3-year-old kindergarten when they are young may not be able to repeat 4-year-old kindergarten.

A second year of funded 4-year-old kindergarten must be approved by the teacher and the Department of Education and is only recommended for children who exhibit developmental delay in at least two areas.

4-year-old kindergarten

Your child can attend 4-year-old kindergarten if they are turning four by 30 April in the year of attendance. 

Kindergarten Calculator

The Victorian Government has created a calculator tool that you can use to determine when your child can start kindergarten. Simply enter your child’s date of birth at the Give your child the best start website.

Is my child ready for kindergarten?

Talk to your Maternal and Child Health nurse or a qualified early years educator to help you decide. Kindergarten open days also provide a great opportunity to talk things through with an experienced professional. See tips for starting kindergarten for more information.