Preschools
Growing up in the Northern Grampians Shire is fun for children. There are plenty of opportunities for young children to grow and develop through quality education, fun playgroups, sport and social opportunities.
For new parents, these activities are a great way to meet other families and create social networks. Most of all, you can spend quality time with your children!
If your child is kindergarten age, there are wonderful facilities in St Arnaud and Stawell to kick-start your child's education.
Marrang and Cooinda Preschools are operated by the community and offer a high quality pre-school service to Stawell and District families. The St Arnaud Preschool is operated by the Northern Grampians Shire and services the St Arnaud and surrounding area.
Why attend Preschool?
Attending Preschool is the beginning of your child's formal education. These early years are very important as it is during these formative years that a child's basic skills and knowledge are gained and attitudes are formed.
Our programs encourage children to develop to their full potential in a stimulating and secure environment. While making friends, children learn to use language, be confident, explore, problem solve and to get along with others. New experiences and activities develop important building blocks that will help children to read and write as they move towards Primary School.
See below for our list of kindergartens and preschools:
Cooinda Kindergarten
74 Cooper Street, Stawell
Ph: 5358 1249
Email: cooinda.stawell.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au
Website:http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mckinder
Contact: Julie McClure
Marrang Kindergarten
87 D'Arcy Street, Stawell
Ph: 5358 1249
Email:marrang.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au
Website: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mckinder
Contact: Julie McClure
St Arnaud Children's Precinct
3 - 7 Walker Street, St Arnaud
Ph: 5495 2666
Contact: Jenny Douglas
Stawell and District Preschool Association
(Incorporating Marrang & Cooinda Kindergartens)
PO Box 350, Stawell
Ph: 5358 1249
Contact: Julie McClure
Universal Access to Early Childhood Education
By 2013 the Commonwealth and State Governments have agreed that all children, prior to transitioning to primary school, will be able to access up to 15 hours of four year old kindergarten programs. This will be offered from preschools and long daycare childcare services. Universal Access for 2013 will offer 4 year old children kindergarten programs of either 10.75 hours or 15 hours, giving families choices on cost versus hours.
The Northern Grampians Shire is taking a lead role in planning with Preschools and Child Care Centres within the municipality to ensure that this aim is achieved and the infrastructure to do this is developed as soon as possible. For more information please contact Tony Dark on 5358 0501.
Municipal Early Years Plan 2011-2013
This year, Northern Grampians Shire Council's Municipal Early Years Plan 2008-2011 is due for review and updating.
This plan highlights the Council's Children's Services available in the region, as well as planning for the future development of programs and partnerships.
The Municipal Early Year's Plan 2012-2013 can be found here >>>
Please contact Tony Dark on 5358 0501 for more information.