Sessional kindergarten registrations are now open across the region

THERE are a large number of excellent kindergartens located throughout the City of Greater Geelong for both 3-year-old and 4-year-old kinder.
Kindergartens aim to develop children’s individual social, emotional, intellectual, physical and language abilities in the year prior to commencing primary school.
Through play and participation in group activities, children make friends, build resilience and develop positive self-esteem.
Local kindergarten programs operate from a range of service environments including stand-alone kindergartens; long day childcare centres; and integrated child and family centres.
Children are eligible to attend four-year-old kindergarten if the child turns 4 years of age on or before 30 April in the year of attendance.
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the City of Greater Geelong council offered wonderful kindergarten programs across the region to support its youngest residents with their social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
“There are many options and environments available to suit the needs of families.
“We appreciate how important the kinder years are for families and the critical role that early years’ education plays in the positive development of our youngest residents.
“Council continues to invest in children’s facilities and centres, like Bella Wiyn Birralee in Drysdale, to provide the best care and education services for local families.”
The new Bella Wiyn Birralee (which means “Bellarine children” in Wadawurrung language) Family Centre in Drysdale offers an integrated kinder program for four-year-olds.
The integrated early childhood centre, which opened early April, offers services such as 91 place long day care (includes integrated kindergarten), sessional kindergarten, maternal and child health, consulting rooms and a large multipurpose community space.
The $13.3 million project was funded by the City of Greater Geelong council, with $1.6m support from the Victorian Government through the Children’s Facilities Capital Funding Program. The centre is owned and operated by the City of Greater Geelong.

Current services include:
Long Day Care available for children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age
Integrated Kindergarten – 4 year old program available (delivered as part of the Long Day Care program)
Sessional Kindergarten (Drysdale Preschool- offered delivered by Bethany Kindergarten Services)
Maternal and Child Health Services – a free service available to all families with children from birth to school age. This service provides information, advice and support to families with an initial home visit, followed by appointments at Bella Wiyn Birralee Family Centre.

Other services include:
Child health and development screening
Infant feeding
Parenting support and advice
First time parents groups and
Referrals where appropriate.

Child and family support services are offered based on needs identified by the Drysdale community.
A multipurpose room is available for hire by community groups.