Frequently Asked Questions
General
- How long has the East Ivanhoe Preschool been in operation?
- How long have various staff members been at the preschool?
- What would be a typical 'day in the life' for a child at the preschool?
- When can we visit the kindergarten?
- How do we enrol our child at the kindergarten?
3 year old questions
- What age should my child start 3 year-old kindergarten?
- What is the present waiting list time for 3 year-old kinder?
- When do you accept enrolments for 3 year-old kinder?
- What are the fees?
- Can I defer if I am offered a place and decide my child is not ready?
- If my child is not offered a place will they be placed on the waiting list for the following year?
- Will my child be offered a place in the 4 year old program if they attend the 3 year old program?
- Where is the East Ivanhoe Preschool 3 year old zone?
4 year old questions
- When can I enrol my child for 4 year old kinder?
- What age should my child start 4 year old kinder?
- Where do I get an enrolment form?
- Where do I send my application?
- Do I need to live locally to be offered a place?
- What are the hours?
- What are the fees?
General
How long has the East Ivanhoe Preschool been in operation?
East Ivanhoe Preschool has been in operation for 51 years. In fact, we celebrated our 50th Anniversary in 2008!
How long have various staff members been at the preschool?
Our staff consists of two very experienced teachers (one 3 yo teacher and one 4 yo teacher) and two kindergarten assistants. Of our total staff of 4, 2 of our staff members have been with the centre between 5 - 10 years. We have extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff members.
What would be a typical 'day in the life' for a child at the preschool?
The philosophy of East Ivanhoe Preschool expresses the view that our kindergarten curriculum is 'emergent' - it develops slowly over time and is shaped as a direct result of the children's interests. There is a strong focus on creative arts and the environment.
Generally, the session consists of introductory mat time where the teachers and children come together to enjoy the sharing of news, songs and companionship. A number of different inside/outside activities can follow, including (but not limited to) painting, craft work, playdough, puzzles, construction, dress ups, dance, role play or quiet reading time.
Fruit time is a favourite with the children and is an opportunity for social interaction. Outside play is an important part of the daily kindergarten experience - we are fortunate to have a fantastic outdoor area with lovely mature trees, and a wonderful sand play area.
A number of times each year an 'incursion' is arranged for the groups. In the past, our children have participated in drama workshops, paper making, drumming workshops, clay modeling and creative dance, to name just a few.
When can we visit the kindergarten?
You are welcome to visit our kindergarten, however please call ahead first just to confirm. We hold an annual Open Day in May of each year, which is always great fun, so keep an eye out in the local paper around that time.
How do we enrol our child at the kindergarten?
For 3 yo enrolments, you will need to apply through TRY. You can download the 3 year-old enrolment form here or pick up a copy of the enrolment form from the kinder. For 4 yo enrolments, you need to apply through Banyule City Council directly.
3 year old questions
What age should my child start 3 year-old kindergarten?
Children are eligible if they turn 3 on or before 30 April in the year of attendance. However, they will not be permitted to start until they turn 3.
What is the present waiting list time for 3 year-old kinder?
There is currently a high level of demand for 3 yo kindergarten places in the Ivanhoe area. In previous years the number of applications has averaged out at about 95, yet we only have 42 places available in any given year (we offer two 3 yo groups made up of 21 children in each group).
When do you accept enrolments for 3 year-old kinder?
Enrolments are accepted from 1st March in the year preceding attendance (for example: if your child is to attend 3 yo kindergarten in 2011, then you are able to apply on or after 1st March 2010).
Where do I send my application?
Post direct to TRYChildren Services, along with copy birth certificate and $15 non-refundable registration fee.
What are the hours?
5.5 hours per week. In 2011 the hours will be:
Yellow Group: Tues
Green Group: Tues 8:45am – 11.45am and Thurs 1.30pm – 4:00pm.
What are the fees?
$300 per term, plus $50 refundable maintenance levy.
Can I defer if I am offered a place and decide my child is not ready?
If an offer is made, it may be accepted but deferred to the following year. Similarly, a place may also be deferred if a child starts the year but a decision is made that they are not ready.
If my child is not offered a place will they be placed on the waiting list for the following year?
No, you will need to reapply but the registration fee will be waived.
Will my child be offered a place in the 4 year old program if they attend the 3 year old program?
There is no guarantee, and the 4 year old waiting list is centralised by Banyule Council. However, in recent years any child who has enrolled for a 4 year old place at the same time as enrolling for a 3 year old place has received an offer.
Where is the East Ivanhoe Preschool 3 year old zone?
Children who currently reside within “East Ivanhoe Preschool 3 year old zone” and/or who have had a sibling previously attend EIPS in either the 3 or 4 year old program will be given priority but this does not ensure a place. (Refer below for boundaries.)
Children who currently reside outside of the above mentioned zone and who also have had no previous family involvement with EIPS may be offered a place dependent upon availability.
East Ivanhoe Preschool Zone:
4 year old questions
When can I enrol my child for 4 year old kinder?
Enrolments are accepted from 1 March two years prior to attendance.
What age should my child start 4 year old kinder?
Children are eligible if they turn 4 on or before 30 April in the year of attendance.
Where do I get an enrolment form?
At the kinder, maternal and child heath nurse, or Banyule Council.
Where do I send my application?
To Banyule Council, along with copy birth certificate and $18.50 registration fee.
Do I need to live locally to be offered a place?
The Council centralises enrolments for all 29 preschools within Banyule. Families living outside Banyule may receive an offer depending on availability.
What are the hours?
10.75 hours per week. In 2011 the sessions will be:
Blue Group: Mon
Red Group: Mon
What are the fees?
$250 per term, nil for health care card holders.
For further enquiries, please contact the kindergarten.
