Register for Kindergarten
The following information is everything you need to know about Bayside's Kindergarten Central Registration and Enrolment Service, including how to register your child for kindergarten.
Kindergarten Registration and Enrolment is a 4 STEP process:
STEP 1 - Register: During May and June, families select preferred kindergartens when completing the online kindergarten registration form.
STEP 2 - Allocate: Council processes registrations and allocates places in July.
STEP 3 - Accept: Families receive a kindergarten offer in July/August and have 7 days to accept or decline it. On some occasions, where there are more registrations than places available, a waitlist notification will be issued.
STEP 4 - Enrol: Families finalise their registration and select preferred sessions, directly with the kindergarten, within 7 days of accepting the place. This completes the enrolment process.
Register for kindergarten 2024
Frequently asked questions
When can I register?
Register for kindergarten the year before your child will be attending. To be processed in first round offers, register between 1 May and 30 June, for a place the following year.
Kindergarten registration is open all year round for those who miss the May/June registration period.
How and where do I register?
For vacancies in the 2024 year, please contact the Early Years Team on 9599 4733.
Each child requires a separate registration.
How to register depends on which category below the child relates to:
| CATEGORY | HOW TO REGISTER |
CURRENT 2024 three-year-old children enrolled at a service
| Registering for a 2025 four-year-old place will receive a unique link to register via email. The link relates to the specific child only and will be emailed to you the day before registrations officially open on 1 May. Please do not use this link to register siblings. |
| SIBLINGS of current 2024 enrolments | Register via the Bayside City Council website where the link will be live from 1 May. |
| NEW children not previously registered in the Central Registration service | Register via the Bayside City Council website where the link will be live from 1 May. |
| Children eligible for a second year of funded four-year-old kindergarten | Do not submit a new registration. If your child's teacher supports a second year, the kindergarten will organise this directly with council. You do not need to do anything. |
If you are experiencing difficulties with the online process, contact the Early Years Team on 9599 4733 who will be able to assist you.
Kindergarten and session preferences
In STEP 1 of the registration process, you will select your preferred kindergarten services. The registration form provides session information for all services, for your reference only. You will not be asked to select your session preferences until STEP 4.
In STEP 4, you will select your preferred session days/times, when finalising the enrolment directly with the kindergarten you have received an offer for.
What do I need to complete my registration?
To complete the registration online, you need to have at least two kindergarten service preferences. Use this link to Find a kindergarten service near me.
Evidence of your residential address will need to be uploaded to verify the name of the parent/guardian or child and their current address. Accepted documents include: (only one document is required)
- a current Victorian Driver's licence
- a utilities bill e.g. gas, electricity, water
- a recent phone/internet bill
You will also need your concession card if applicable.
What if I am late to register?
Kindergarten registrations received by June 30 will be processed in the first round of offers on Monday 24 July. Registrations received after June 30 and by July 28 will be processed with the second round of offers on Monday 7 August. Registrations received after July 28 and by August 11 will be processed with the third round of offers on Monday 21 August.
All registrations received post August 11 will be considered in the processing of all future offers.
How much does it cost to register?
Registration is free.
A refundable acceptance deposit will be required by the kindergarten.
Does my child need to be immunised?
Under the ‘No Jab, No Play’ legislation, before your child can commence at an education and care service, you have to provide evidence to that service that your child is up to date with all vaccinations that are due for their age, or able to receive. You do not need to provide this information to council when registering for a kindergarten place as you will provide it directly to your kindergarten provider when finalising the enrolment.
An immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is the only form of documentation accepted for the purpose of enrolling in an early childhood education and care service. Previous forms of documentation, for example, a letter from a GP or local council, are no longer accepted.
Parents and carers can print a copy of their child’s Immunisation History Statement from their myGov account or:
• call the AIR on 1800 653 809
• visit a Medicare or Centrelink office.
Families who do not hold a Medicare card must call the AIR to request an immunisation history statement. A translating and interpreting service is available by calling 131 450, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.45pm.
How do I know if my registration has been received?
An email acknowledging receipt of registration is sent to the applicant.
Will I get my first preference kindergarten?
While every effort is made to allocate your first preference kindergarten, in some cases, Council receives more applications for a kindergarten than there are places available. Where this occurs, Council allocates in accordance with State Government Guidelines which prioritise access for children who are vulnerable, at risk, or have a disability. For all other places, Bayside's Central Registration priority criteria are applied.
Can I change my kindergarten preferences before offers are made?
To make changes to your registration during the Registration period, you will need to contact the early Year's Team on 9599 4733. Any changes must be submitted before June 30 to be effective in the offer process.
Can I cancel my registration?
To cancel your registration during the Registration period you will need to contact the Early Years Team earlyyears@bayside.vic.gov.au or phone 9599 4733
You can also decline the offer when offer emails are sent out (there will be button to decline and cancel your registration).
The registration fee is forfeited.