2026 Pre-Prep, 3-year-old kindergarten expressions of interest open

Published on 01 May 2025

Expressions of interest for Gannawarra Shire Council’s Pre-Prep and three-year-old kindergarten programs for 2026 are now open.

Council currently manages three-year-old kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs at Cohuna, Kerang, Koondrook and Leitchville, enabling families the choice to select a local provider.

“Kindergarten and Pre-Prep is the first step in a child’s education journey, as it supports children to develop positive relationships, problem-solving skills, ways to manage their emotions, and approaches to exploring, discovering and learning about themselves and the world around them,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“This year saw Council become one of the first municipalities in Victoria to roll out the State Government’s Pre-Prep program, which has replaced the former four-year-old kindergarten program.

“Thanks to the roll-out of Pre-Prep, Council is pleased to now have five early education locations, with the Kerang South Kindergarten supplementing the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre and preschools at Cohuna, Koondrook and Leitchville.”

To be eligible for Pre-Prep, children must be turning four years of age before 30 April 2026; and to be eligible for three-year-old programs kindergarten, children must be three years of age before 30 April 2026.

To assist with planning for next year, parents and guardians of children eligible for either program are encouraged to visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/enrolments or contact the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre to complete an Expression of Interest.

“Enrolment information will be sent in the coming weeks to families who complete an Expression of Interest and parents and guardians who have children currently accessing three-year-old kindergarten, as well as children who attend the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre Long Day Care who are eligible to attend either program,” Mr Rollinson said.

“Parents and guardians can prepare now by having key documents ready prior to receiving an enrolment pack. These include their child’s current immunisation history statement from Medicare, any related court orders and, if applicable, a signed Medical Action Plan from their child’s doctor.”

To assist with planning for 2026 programs, parents and guardians are encouraged to return their completed enrolment information by 5pm Monday, 30 June.

For more information, please contact the Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre on (03) 5452 1357.