Parent Information
Parent Information & Enrolment
In South Australia, ‘preschool’ and ‘kindergarten’ refer to the same program, which is offered in the year before your child starts school. Preschool supports children’s learning and development through play-based activities, fostering social, emotional, and thinking skills.
When Your Child Can Start Preschool
Your child is entitled to four terms (one year) of government preschool in the year before they begin school.
Children who turn 4 years old:
- Before 1 May: Can start preschool in Term 1.
- Between 1 May and 31 October: Can start preschool in Term 3 (mid-year intake).
- After 31 October: Can start preschool at the beginning of the following year.
Regardless of whether your child starts at the beginning of the year or through a mid-year intake, they will attend four terms of preschool.
If you’re unsure about the best time for your child to start, or feel your child may benefit from starting later, please speak with us about your options.
Universal 3-Year-Old Preschool
Universal three-year-old preschool will be rolled out in government preschools between 2026 and 2032. This program will be available at Lucy Morice Kindergarten from 2030.
Early Entry
Aboriginal children and children who are, or have been, in care are eligible for 15 hours of preschool per week from the age of three, continuing until school starts. Children with a disability or additional needs may be able to start earlier if places are available. Please note, early entry to preschool does not guarantee early entry to school.
Enrolling Your Child
How to Register:
To register your interest, complete the Preschool Registration of Interest Form (or collect a copy directly from us). We recommend registering at least a year before your child’s anticipated start date.
- Priority is given to children living in our catchment area. If you live outside our catchment, please list at least two other preschool options on your form to ensure your child is offered a place.
- If we are able to offer your child a place, we will send you an offer letter during Term 1 or Term 3, depending on which intake you are applying for.
- To accept an offer, please return the acceptance slip by the due date.
Fees
Families are asked to contribute towards the cost of their child attending preschool. The parent contribution is $235.00 per term. Excursions and incursions may incur an additional cost, which the kindergarten will subsidise wherever possible.
- When to pay: Invoices are issued in week 1 of each term, and payment is due by week 4.
- How to pay: Payments are made by direct deposit (banking details are provided on your invoice). Cash payments are not accepted.
Occasional Care
Occasional Care is offered to children from age 2 until they commence kindergarten. Sessions are delivered in a dedicated space, with age-specific activities and chances to integrate with the broader kindergarten program. Four sessions are offered weekly for family flexibility.
Session times:
- Monday: 8:30am–11:30am and 12:15pm–3:15pm
- Tuesday: 8:30am–11:30am
- Thursday: 8:30am–11:30am
Children may attend one session per week. Bookings are taken on attendance for the following week. The cost is $5.00 per session.
To enrol, please contact us for a form. A current Immunisation History Statement is required. Once your information is received, our Occasional Care Coordinator will contact you to organise a start time.
Before your child starts
- All children are offered two transition visits prior to commencing preschool.
- Parents and caregivers are invited to attend an induction evening.
Immunisations
Evidence of your child’s immunisation status will be required upon enrolment.
Additional information
- Medication may only be administered by staff if a Medication Agreement Form has been completed and signed by the parent/guardian.
- If your child has a diagnosed medical condition, a Health Care Plan signed by a doctor must be provided before attendance.
- Please let us know if your child is unwell and unable to attend.
Allergy Aware Kindergarten
To ensure the safety of all children, particularly those with allergies, no nuts, nut-containing foods (including Nutella), or foods containing eggs are to be brought to kindergarten, as some children have allergies that can be dangerous.
Allergy Management
If your child has allergies, you are required to provide a medical plan completed and signed by your child’s doctor. This ensures our staff can support your child’s health and safety at all times.
Find a Local Preschool
(External Link to Department for Education, will open on a new window)
Governing council
The South Australian Government provides funding for the kindergarten’s core expenses. However, parent fees and fundraising are necessary to cover additional costs such as cleaning, garden maintenance, and new resources.
The director works in partnership with the Governing Council to develop and monitor the kindergarten budget and guide site improvements.
Each year at the Annual General Meeting, a Governing Council is elected to represent the Lucy Morice Kindergarten community. All meetings are open, and new members are welcome.
Being a member of Governing Council offers a chance to support your child’s education, understand curriculum priorities, and be actively involved in the preschool community.
