Its a little ways off for us, but I am working out my maternity leave budget, and as DS will turn 4 while I am on Maternity Leave I need to consider Kindy requirements and costs.

Firstly, he wont be 4 until April 2013 - but with the proposed changes to the school start dates he will be starting school at age 4 yrs 9 months in Jan/Feb 2014. Does that mean he needs to start kindy earlier? And whats pre-kindy and is it necessary?

He currently goes to childcare 2 full days and I had planned on using the kindy program through the childcare centre, but then due to #2 being on the way had planned to cutting back his childcare to 2 x morning sessions to a. save some cash, b. spend more time with him and baby#2, and c. keep him used to child care as I'd need to increase his attendance again when I go back to work.

However I'd forgotten about kindy!!

I *think* currently kids have 4 kindy sessions - either 2 long days, 4 single session or a combo of both, but is this right?
Whats the cost? What are the hours usually?
I'm thinking it might be easier just to pay the extra childcare and complete these sessions in 2 full childcare days (which he is currently used to and enjoying), rather than a combo of child care AND kindy. I then need to allow for this in my maternity budget (which I need to plan ahead and save for)

So many questions - hoping someone can point me in the right direction and give me some advice

TIA

Naomi