The 2022 programs will run as rotational groups according to the following schedule:

Three Year Old Kindergarten

Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 4pm

Four Year Old Kindergarten

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.30am to 4pm

All programs are open to any eligible child residing in the shire subject to an available place in the program.

The kindergarten program is free to concession card holders. Please check the website for further information on fees and subsidies where applicable.

New mandatory vaccination requirements are now in place requiring all visitors to St Arnaud Early Learning Centre to supply proof of full vaccination (two doses) before entering the centre. Covid restrictions also limit the number of people who can be on site; families are requested to contact the centre on 03 5495 2666 prior to visiting.

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During your visit to the centre, you will be offered a tour of the facility, an opportunity to speak to a teacher or educator and an enrolment pack. The enrolment pack will include details such as program structure, early years online systems, child care benefits applicable to kindergarten, useful contacts, committee and information nights.

A long day care program also runs from the St Arnaud Early Learning Centre and interested families are encouraged to enquire.

Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Murray Emerson hopes all families with preschool age children in St Arnaud will consider the council-run program.

"The kindergarten programs at St Arnaud Early Learning Centre are very popular with our local families," said Cr Emerson.

"This year we had 124 children enrolled at the centre and provided them with a brand new play area that the children absolutely love.

"The State Government offers a funded three year old program too which means that your child can have an extra year of play-based learning at a very affordable rate.

"The administration side of enrolment will be much simpler for everyone next year with a new online system in beta testing now for 2022.

"Please do not hesitate to contact the staff at St Arnaud Early Learning Centre about enrolment details and to schedule a tour. Council is here to support your child at every stage of the early years learning process and help them feel comfortable with their peers and ready for their next exciting journey into the school system."

Further information regarding the Early Learning Centre programs and alternative programs based within the shire is available online at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/EarlyYears

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