10 Child-Safety Questions to Ask When Touring a Childcare Centre
September 18, 2026
If your child could be starting kindergarten in 2027, Kinder enrolment may already be on your mind. It can feel surprisingly early to start thinking about next year, especially when your child is still little, but understanding the enrolment process ahead of time gives your family more opportunity to explore programs, visit centres and feel confident about your choice.
For Melbourne families, there is no single enrolment date that applies to every kindergarten. Processes can differ depending on the service and your local council, so it is worth researching your options and making contact with your preferred centre during 2026.
If you are wondering when to enrol in kinder, here is what you need to know as you plan for 2027.
If your child will attend kindergarten in 2027, it is a good idea to begin researching and enquiring during 2026.
In Victoria, kindergarten enrolment may take place directly through a kindergarten service or through a central registration process operated in your local area. The Victorian Government recommends checking with your local kinder service or council about the enrolment process and relevant timelines. Victorian Government kindergarten enrolment information
Starting your search earlier gives you time to:
At Starfish ELC, families can enquire directly about Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kinder places for 2027. You can learn more about our funded kindergarten program and current enrolment options.
Children in Victoria can access kindergarten before beginning primary school, with Three-Year-Old Kindergarten followed by Four-Year-Old Kindergarten or Pre-Prep, depending on the child’s age, location and program.
The easiest way to work out when your child may be eligible is to use the Victorian Government’s kindergarten starting-age information and calculator. Check when your child can start kindergarten
This is one of the most common questions families have when deciding when to start kinder.
For children born between 1 January and 30 April, families can choose whether their child begins Three-Year-Old Kindergarten in the year they turn three or in the year they turn four.
That decision is also connected to the age your child will be when they eventually begin primary school. The Victorian Government provides further guidance for families deciding which starting year is appropriate. Read the Victorian Government’s kindergarten starting-age guidance
Every child develops at their own pace. If you are unsure which starting year may suit your child, consider your child’s individual circumstances and speak with an early childhood professional.
Both Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten provide opportunities for children to learn through play, relationships, exploration and meaningful everyday experiences.
Three-Year-Old Kindergarten introduces children to a kindergarten learning environment where they can explore their interests, develop relationships and build confidence through play.
Everyday experiences can support children’s communication, social development, movement, creativity, problem-solving and growing independence.
Some families may begin thinking about kindergarten enrolment while their child is still two, particularly when applying for a program that begins the following year.
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten continues to build on children’s learning and development as they move closer to primary school.
Kinder is not simply about preparing children academically for school. Play-based learning gives children opportunities to communicate, cooperate, solve problems, develop independence and build confidence as learners.
At Starfish, our early learning philosophy recognises children as strong, capable and active learners, with relationships and meaningful experiences at the centre of learning.
Families interested in how early learning frameworks support this approach can also explore our guide to the Early Years Learning Framework.
Choosing a kindergarten is an important family decision. Beginning your research early gives you more time to understand what different programs offer and find an environment that feels right for your child.
Rather than choosing a kindergarten based only on a website or its location, consider visiting the centre in person.
A tour can help you see:
You can also explore Starfish’s purpose-built classrooms and learning environments before visiting a centre.
Availability and enrolment procedures can differ between services, so contacting your preferred centre during your planning process can help you understand the next steps for 2027.
Every family has different priorities, but there are several things worth considering when comparing kindergarten programs.
Positive relationships are at the heart of early learning. Look for educators who take the time to understand children as individuals and create an environment where they feel safe, comfortable and included.
Children learn naturally through play.
A thoughtfully planned play-based program gives children opportunities to investigate ideas, communicate with others, solve problems, create, experiment and follow their curiosity.
Consider whether the environment encourages children to move, explore, imagine and make choices independently.
Natural outdoor environments can also provide opportunities for discovery, physical development and connection with the world around them.
Families know their children best. Open communication between educators and families can help create greater consistency between home and the early learning environment.
Look for a kindergarten where families are welcomed as active partners in their child’s learning journey.
When comparing kindergarten services in Victoria, look for the Kinder Tick.
The Kinder Tick identifies programs that are funded and approved by the Victorian Government, use play-based learning and are led by a qualified early childhood teacher. Learn more about the Victorian Government Kinder Tick
At Starfish Early Learning Centre, children are supported to play, discover, explore and grow within warm, purpose-built learning environments.
Our Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old funded kindergarten program combines purposeful, play-based learning with opportunities for children to follow their curiosity, build relationships and develop confidence.
The program is delivered by qualified early childhood teachers and draws on recognised early childhood approaches. Children can also experience activities including the kitchen garden and specialist incursions as part of their learning.
Our environments have been thoughtfully designed to support natural play, exploration and development, while families are encouraged to be active partners in their child’s learning journey.
Starfish has learning centres located across Melbourne. You can explore our Starfish ELC centres to find the location most convenient for your family.
Victoria’s Free Kinder initiative applies to funded Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs at participating services.
How the financial benefit works depends on the type of service your child attends. At participating long day care services, Free Kinder is provided as a fee offset rather than making the entire day of childcare free.
The Victorian Government provides current information about eligibility, funded hours and how Free Kinder works at long day care and sessional kindergarten services. Learn more about Free Kinder in Victoria
At Starfish, families can also discuss how funded kindergarten works alongside long day care when enquiring or visiting a centre.
A kindergarten tour is an opportunity to look beyond the brochure and understand what your child’s everyday experience could feel like.
Consider asking:
There are no unimportant questions when you are choosing an early learning environment for your child.
Seeing the rooms, meeting the educators and getting a feel for the centre can help you decide whether it feels right for your family.
If you are beginning your Kinder 2027 search, you can break the process into a few simple steps.
1. Check your child’s starting year
Use the Victorian Government’s kindergarten starting-age information to understand when your child may be eligible.
2. Research kindergarten programs near you
Consider the learning approach, educators, environment, location and how the program fits with your family’s needs.
3. Visit the centres you are considering
Seeing a kindergarten in person can give you a much clearer sense of the learning environment, educators and community.
4. Ask about 2027 enrolment and availability
Enrolment processes and availability can vary, so confirm the details directly with the service you are considering.
5. Complete your enrolment
Once you have chosen your preferred kindergarten, follow the enrolment process provided by the centre or relevant local registration scheme.
Knowing when to enrol in kinder can make the process feel much more manageable.
Starting your research early gives your family time to understand your child’s eligibility, explore different programs, meet educators and find an environment where your child can feel a genuine sense of belonging.
If you are considering Kinder enrolment for 2027, we would love to welcome you to Starfish ELC.
Book a tour at Starfish ELC to meet our team, explore our learning spaces and learn more about our funded kindergarten program for 2027.