enrolment

Kindergarten and How to Register

The initial stages of a child’s educational journey are a significant and exciting milestone for families. At MEYM, we are dedicated to fostering a lifelong passion for learning. Our dedicated educational team encourages children to explore, inquire, imagine, investigate, create, and develop a sense of belonging. By integrating play-based experiences into daily routines, we support children’s growth, development, and love of learning.

Kindergarten is a two-year educational program provided by qualified early childhood educators. This includes a Three-Year-Old Kindergarten program followed by a Four-Year-Old Kindergarten program, which is transitioning to Pre-Prep. These programs focus on the development of social, emotional, language and literacy, physical and cognitive skills necessary to support a child’s transition into primary school. At MEYM, we offer a comprehensive and high-quality curriculum for children aged three to five years.

When to start Kindergarten

Children can access a government funded kinder program at one service at a time. Families with children born between January and April can choose which year to start their first year of 3 year old kindergarten. These children can start in the same year they turn three, or in the year they turn four years of age. Children not yet 3 years of age can only commence in the program after their third birthday. When applying for kindergarten, parents should thoughtfully assess their child’s age and maturity to determine their readiness for the program’s requirements.

Children can access one year of funded 4yo kindergarten at one service. A second year of funded 4yo kindergarten may be considered when a child exhibits delays in at least two key areas of development and is deemed to benefit from a second year of kindergarten. This decision is made by the child’s early childhood teacher after assessment and evaluation and may involve an outside early years professional such as Preschool Field Officer.

How to Register for Kindergarten

First, make an initial registration with Merri-bek Council as MEYM participates in their central registration scheme which ensures a process for families which is fair and equitable in allocation of places. click here to make your initial online registration and type in the word “Kindergarten”. Please read our Pre-prep section below and find out if your child is eligible for more hours. If eligible please contact the Enrolment Officer at enrolments@meym.org.au

Once you are offered placement to an MEYM service, we (MEYM) will manage your enrolment into kindergarten as well as support you throughout your child’s time with us.

For all enrolment, program, orientation, timetable enquiries for any of our kindergartens, please email the Enrolment Officer at enrolments@meym.org.au

What is Pre-Prep?

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is becoming Pre-Prep, starting with 6 local government areas in 2025.

There is no difference between the program offered for Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. Pre-Prep offers children more hours to learn and socialise through play. Pre-Prep will be delivered through sessional kindergartens. Three-Year-Old, Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep are part of Free Kinder. Find out more about Free Kinder.

Find out if your child is eligible for Pre-Prep

Use the Pre-Prep calculator to find out if your child is eligible to attend Pre-Prep and when they can start or contact enrolments@meym.org.au if you require assistance.

Please read our Q&A before regisering your child.

Sessional MEYM Kindergartens include

Gowanbrae Children’s Centre, 2A Marigold Crescent, Gowanbrae 3043
Lake Park Kindergarten, 20B Carr Street, Coburg North 3058
Moomba Park Kindergarten, 65 Alec Crescent, Fawkner 3060
Newlands Preschool, 20 Murray Road, Coburg 3058
Oak Park Kindergarten, 1A Short Ave, Oak Park, 3046
Pascoe Vale Community Centre Kindergarten, 7 Prospect Street, Pascoe Vale 3043
St Linus Kindergarten, 13 Delta Avenue, Coburg 3058
Turner Street Kindergarten, 38 Turner Street, Pascoe Vale South 3043

To book a tour at one of our services please click on the service in our menu and complete the book-a-tour form.

Additional Information

Children currently attending in an MEYM 3yo kindergarten program this year will not need to register for 4yo kindergarten providing you wish for your child to attend the same kindergarten for the following year- for more information contact the Enrolment Officer.

Due to high demand for kindergarten places we recommend that for 2026, you register as soon as possible.

If you have any further questions regarding the enrolment process please contact the Enrolment Officer at MEYM at enrolments@meym.org.au

Priority of Access

To ensure fair and equitable placement, the allocation of kindergarten places follows the Department of Education’s Priority of Access, Merri-bek Council and MEYM’s local criteria.  View our Policy for further information–  

 The Department of Education has developed the following criteria to identify a high priority child: 

Children who have an additional need. This is defined as children who need additional assistance in order to fully participate in the kindergarten program or require a combination of services which are individually planned or have an identified specific disability or developmental delay, the child is declared eligible for a 2nd year of funded 4yo kinder, the child holds a child disability healthcare card, has been referred by NDIS, Early Childhood Intervention Service, Preschool Field Officer, Maternal Child Health Nurse.

Children at risk of abuse or neglect, including Out-of-Home-Care, known to Child Protection (currently or in the past).

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children.

Asylum seeker and refugee children (or parents).

Child or parent holds a Commonwealth Health Care Card, Child Disability Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veteran Gold or White Affairs Card

Triplets or more

Merri-bek Early Years Management has produced a Kindergarten Family Handbook for all families to read and acknowledge prior to your child commencing at one of our early years services.

2025 MEYM Kindergarten Timetables 

(Note: programs subject to change pending enrolment numbers)

2026 MEYM Kindergarten Timetables 

Timetables may be adjusted or cancelled due to demand or change due to State and Federal funding and operational requirements of the services.