My tags

Education, skills and learning

Preschool and kindergarten

In South Australia preschools are also known as kindergartens and some private preschools are known as early learning centres. In preschool, children learn through play-based programs that are designed and delivered by qualified teachers.

On this page:
Non-government preschools
Government preschools
Starting preschool
Integrated centres and services
Waiting lists
Parent involvement
Immunisation
Health, wellbeing and special needs

Non-government preschools

Contact the preschool direct for information about eligibility, fees and attendance requirements.

Preschool is not compulsory.

Children can access up to four terms of preschool before they start school. Talk to your local preschool director or principal to determine how this will work for your child.

Aboriginal children and Children under Guardianship of the Minister are entitled to attend preschool once they turn three.

Children with additional needs may be able to start preschool two terms before they would normally start.

Use the preschool directory to find a preschool near you.

New arrangements from 2013

There will soon be a change to when children start preschool. In 2013 preschools will continue to enrol children in term one and term two. Talk to your local preschool director to determine how this will work for your child.

From 2014 all children starting preschool will start on the first day of term one. Every child will have four terms of preschool and then four terms of reception when they start school. This will provide a more stable environment for all children, with fewer changes to classes throughout the year. It also brings south Australia into line with other states.

If your child turns four:

before May 1 they will start school on the first day of term one in that year
on or after May 1, they will start school on the first day of term one the following year.

Use the same first day calculator Open in new window to find out when your child should start school.

The following factsheets provide some additional information for families:

Starting preschool and school (437KB, PDF)
Early entry for children with additional needs (360KB, PDF)
Early entry for Aboriginal children (344KB, PDF)
Early entry for children under the guardianship of the Minister (326KB, PDF)
Entry for children who will attend a designated rural preschool (315KB, PDF)

[top of page]

Integrated centres and services

Integrated centres are places that offer two or more services. The combinations of services vary from centre to centre and may include child care, playgroup, preschool, early education and learning, early development, health services and family support services.

Children's Centres for Early Childhood Development and Parenting offer a mix of education, health and family services and are supported by the state government. These centres aim to meet the needs of the community so each may offer a slightly different mix of services.

Find out more by contacting an integrated centre near you.

[top of page]

Waiting lists

Before enrolling your child you will need to place their name on the waiting list at the preschool. The success of your application depends on the places available at the time. Government preschools and kindergartens in South Australia are guided by the education department's preschool enrolment guidelines and policy. Private kindergartens have their own policies.

[top of page]

Parent involvement

Parents can get involved and contribute in a number of ways:

help with fundraising
volunteering for working bees
being involved with the government council or parent groups.

More information on being involved and volunteering.

[top of page]

Immunisation

Children do not need to be immunised before enrolling at a preschool. However, if they are not immunised, they may be excluded from attending during outbreaks of some infectious diseases.

More information on infection control and immunisation see: Infection control page.

[top of page]

Health, wellbeing and special needs

Many preschools offer specialist services for children with health conditions, disability or other special needs. A number of other support programs and services are also available including respite care.

Get information about health, wellbeing and special needs.