FAQs
What is a Community Kindergarten?
A Community Kindergarten (also known as a community preschool or pre-prep) is owned and managed by its community.
Ashgrove West Kindy (previously named Ashgrove West Preschool) is a not-for profit organisation that operates with the support of elected committee members, families and our local community.
Each kindergarten group has up to 22 children, who are turning four years of age by the end of June. Classes are taught by a university qualified educator with the support of an experienced Assistant.
While most community kindergartens only offer a preschool program, usually a six hour day, Ashgrove West Kindy extends our service to offer Before Care and After Care services.
The success of Ashgrove West Kindy since its establishment in 1939 shows how much a close community working towards a shared vision can achieve.
The buildings have maintained their rich heritage while improvements and modern amenities are constantly made through reinvested profits. You will have the opportunity to be as involved as suits you; from being actively involved in the committee, helping on occasional working bees, or assisting when needed.
We value diversity and acknowledge the important role that our families, staff and the wider community contribute in supporting each child’s growth and development.
Our kindergarten in an affiliate of C&K (Childcare & Kindergarten).
How many days must my child attend?
It is a requirement of Government that children attend a pre-prep program for a minimum of 15 hours per week. Ashgrove West Kindy offers a range of class options to suit you and your child.
What hours is the Preschool open?
Attendance options and times can be viewed on the Classes page. Before Hours Care from 7.15am and After Hours Care is available from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.
How many children attend each day?
Two classes operate each day, with approximately 44 children (22 in each class) in total attending each day.
What is staff turn-over like?
Ashgrove West Kindy is proud of its low turn-over rate of its pre-prep educators and assistants.
What is the staff/child ratio?
Staff/child ratio is 1:11. There is an educator and an assistant for each class of 22 pre-prep children.
Do I have to have my child down at birth in order to get a place?
Due to high demand, we recommend placing a child’s name on the list as soon as possible.
Can my child attend the year before they are pre-prep aged?
It is a requirement of the Government and C&K that we make every effort to maximise the opportunity for pre-prep aged children to attend the Government Approved Kindergarten Program. This means that our policy is to give pre-prep aged children priority and we are only permitted to consider making offers to younger children no earlier than three weeks before the end of Term 4 and only after C&K have advised that we can. If the Management Committee decides to make offers beyond the pre-prep aged children who elect for us to receive the government subsidy, offers are made strictly on the waiting list order and are limited in number.
Are children with special needs accommodated and welcome?
Absolutely. Ashgrove West Kindy offers an inclusive policy and will make every effort to assist all children to integrate into our program. In consultation with families, the child, staff, management committee, and C&K early education consultant, appropriate support will be available.