What's the deal for 3yo kinder in Vic?

**PumpkinZulu** · July 2nd, 2012, 03:36 PM

We just got a brochure for a local kinder/childcare in the mail. I know it's a while off, but it got DH and I pondering...is 3 and 4yo kinder compulsory in Vic? I don't mind so much about the 4yo kinder I guess, but 3 years old, I don't know, I think it's too young and we'd really rather not send her. What's the deal there?

**Tinks** · July 2nd, 2012, 03:38 PM

No, it's not compulsory. 4 yo isn't either but I think there was talk of it becoming compulsory.

**fionas** · July 2nd, 2012, 03:40 PM

We didn't send DD1 to 3yo kinder - it was only two hours a week here. MCHN told me 3yo not that important, 4yo VERY important.

**~ Zarava Flutterby ~** · July 2nd, 2012, 03:42 PM

Not compulsory, I send DD1 because the MCHN recommended it for her as she was ahead with her speech & getting bored with things we were offering at home, writing her own name at 2.5 and dad just before 3.

Don't discount the idea, I thought there would be no point but she LOVES it and DD2 is enrolled for next year.
It's also great as I get some one on one time with DD2.

It's going to become hard to get places soon with the increase in 4yr old hours, we had to actually do a deposit this yr for DD2.

Sent from my iPhone, more than likely while I should be doing something else!

**TaRhLi.** · July 2nd, 2012, 03:46 PM

Yep not compulsory but I registered DD in April for next year as she is already needing extra stimulation than what I can provide for her at home, plus she is already asking me when will she be big enough to go to 'school'.

Depending on the costs for next year she will either be going 1 or 2 mornings a week for 2 1/2 hrs, which will then give me some time to be able to do things.

**PumpkinZulu** · July 2nd, 2012, 03:48 PM

Cool

I honestly don't like the idea of 3yo kinder right now. It may happen, but it's good to know its not compulsory. Same with 4yo, and frankly, if I didn't feel DD was ready by then, and it were compulsory, I'd be fighting that. By that stage DH and I have already discussed hiring a nanny for the children rather than sending one to childcare and one to 3yo (or 4yo) kinder, as I'll be studying by then and we like the idea of one on one care. DH had a nanny, although his was 5 days a week 9-5. We would only need one the times I need to be at uni. Nice to know there are options though.

**FabFiona** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:09 PM

Regardless of whether or not you like the idea (personally, I think that early learning is very important and that 3 year old kinder is part of this) I'd strongly recommend registering Isla. It can be near impossible to find a place and if you do decide to take up the option, it's best to have put your name down. It's different from council to council but registrations generally start around 18 months.

**Olive** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:19 PM

I also feel 4 yr old kinder is super important!

**PumpkinZulu** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:23 PM

I also believe early learning is extremely important. But I also don't believe the only way to access early learning is necessarily through kinder

I'm definitely not discounting it, and will register her, but it is good to know that it's not enforced.

**nothing2lose** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:25 PM

As far as I am concerned, there is a vast difference between kindergarten (which is part of a child's education) and being cared for by a nanny (which, at the end of the day is childcare). That's to say nothing of the vital socialisation that occurs at kinder. Ask any prep teacher...it is glaringly obvious which kids went to kinder.

**PumpkinZulu** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:31 PM

DH and his brother had a nanny who was fluent in 3 languages, was a qualified primary school teacher and a long term nanny. He went to play groups, music classes, group craft sessions, libraries and was 'socialised' and very ready for school without having ever set foot in a kinder. He spent plenty of time interacting with other kids (and other adults), learned how to share, read and speak another language. So I guess it depends on the type of nanny you get.

**nothing2lose** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:37 PM

If you're getting a nanny that has qualifications and skills like that, who is willing to do all of those things, you have a lot more money than DP and me!

I still think kinder is a better option, but obviously, it's your choice

**Heaven** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:42 PM

We don't even have 3 yr old kinder up here and the kids are all fine, LOL. I wouldn't send my kid either. Sure, at 4 yo, that's the year before school so it's starting to get them ready for that just a few days a week but I think 3 yrs old is very different and young. I wouldn't send my child (taking into account I'm a SAHM so easy for me to make that choice). And I highly doubt a child would be disadvantaged in any way by not going at 3yo.

**PumpkinZulu** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:44 PM

Okay...I'm willing to hazard a guess that my financial situation is probably a lot poorer than yours, although I didn't really start this thread to debate the merits of questioning 'the man' and how our country suggests we raise our children or discuss my finances or explain in detail how we plan to afford our choices, I think that's a bit rude, don't you? Anywho, I have the info I need, I've years until I even have to think about kinder, so I trust that I'll make a pretty good decision for DD by then. As I've said, I've pretty much discounted 3yo kinder but I don't have much of an issue with 4yo unless DD isn't ready.

**Nai** · July 2nd, 2012, 04:50 PM

My girls didn't do 3 yo kinder but they did do long day care so I didn't think it was necessary. They did and will do 4 yo kinder. With the changes making 4 yo kindr 15 hours a week yo will probably find that many 3 yo kinders are harder to get into or will stop operating.

Regardless of what you decide it is a good idea to research what is in your area and putting Isla's name down, or finding out what age you can register her from. Just because her name is on a list doesn't mean you have to take up a spot but it does give you an option.

**Phteven** · July 2nd, 2012, 05:07 PM

What Nai said

it's good to have options.
Some of the Mums at our school send the nanny to help out with reading and the other volunteer stuff we're meant to do.

**Lenny** · July 2nd, 2012, 05:12 PM

My son LOVES 3 year old kinder. The kinder is a lovely place. His teacher is wonderful. The community is great. I always stay for ages and always do my 'duty' twice a term or more. It has provided me with a break to spend one-on-one time with DS2.
Please don't feel you need to make a decision just yet. Not all 3 year olds are too young for the right environment. I didn't even enrol DS1 until he was three already, and he still got a spot.