Kindergarten in Western Australia
Kindergarten in Western Australia is an important stepping stone in a child’s early education journey, designed to support development and prepare children for Pre-primary, the first year of compulsory schooling.
At Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten, we follow the Early Years Learning Framework, offering a play-based and child-focused program that nurtures growth across all developmental areas. Although Kindergarten is not compulsory in WA, it is strongly recommended as it lays the groundwork for lifelong learning. Aspire’s educational programs align with the Kindergarten Curriculum Western Australia and cater to the unique needs of children through engaging activities, caring educators, and structured learning.
Pre-Kindy & Kindy Age in Western Australia
Pre-kindy in Western Australia can start when a child is 3 years old or turning 3 before the 30th of June the year they are starting pre-kindy.
If your child will be 4 years old by the 30th of June of the year they start kindergarten, they can enrol in Aspire’s Kindergarten program. This means that some children will start kindy when they are 3 years old and turn 4 while they are at kindergarten. See below to see when your child will start based off their birth month.
Month of your child’s birthday:
January to June
- 3 years, turning 4 years old: Start kindergarten
July to December
- 4 years, turning 5 years old: Start kindergarten
The WA Department of Education has a handy school age calculator if you are unsure if your child needs to start kindergarten.
School Age Calculator
Aspire’s Kindergarten Programs
3-Year-Old Early Learning Program:
Pre-Kindy
At Aspire Early Education, our 3-year-old early learning program is thoughtfully designed to support your child's early development in a nurturing and engaging environment. Our program focuses on fostering:
- Social and Emotional Well-being: We prioritise building secure attachments between educators and children, creating a safe space where your child feels seen, valued, and confident to explore.
- Communication and Language Skills: Through interactive story time sessions, songs, and conversations, we enhance early literacy and encourage expressive language development.
- Independence and Self-Help Skills: Our play-based approach allows children to develop autonomy, from managing personal belongings to making choices during activities.
- Cognitive and Physical Development: Engaging in activities that promote problem-solving, fine and gross motor skills, and creative expression lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our educators collaborate closely with families to ensure a consistent and supportive experience, setting the stage for a seamless transition into 4-year-old kindergarten.
4-Year-Old School Readiness Program
Kindy
The 4-year-old school readiness program at Aspire Early Education is dedicated to preparing your child for the exciting journey into formal schooling. Our holistic curriculum emphasises:
- School Readiness: We introduce structured routines and collaborative projects that mirror school environments, helping children adapt to the expectations of primary education.
- Advanced Literacy and Numeracy: Through engaging activities, children develop foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, fostering a love for learning.
- Emotional Regulation and Social Skills: Our program supports children in understanding and managing emotions, developing empathy, and building meaningful relationships with peers.
- Critical Thinking and Creativity: By encouraging exploration and inquiry, we nurture problem-solving abilities and imaginative thinking.
We also partner with local schools to align our curriculum with their programs, ensuring that our children transition confidently and successfully into the next phase of their educational journey.
At Aspire Early Education, our commitment is to provide a comprehensive early learning experience that supports every aspect of your child's growth. We invite you to visit our centre and discover how our programs can benefit your child's development.
Learning Outcomes & Brain Development
90% of a child’s brain develops before age 5 — Through play-based learning, children build essential life skills and strengthen brain pathways across key areas such as:
Early literacy& numeracy
Sustainability & exploration
Numeracy & STEM skills
Cognitive development
Music & movement
Art & imagination
Dramatic play & storytelling
Social-emotional skills
The Aspire Difference
Long Daycare Setting
At Aspire, we understand that every family’s schedule is different — that’s why we offer the flexibility of extended long daycare kindergarten sessions across 9, 10, 11, and 12-hour days. This allows your child to fully participate in both the Government-approved Kindergarten Program and Aspire’s very own Enhanced Learning Program, all within the convenience of a long daycare setting.
Qualified Teachers
At Aspire, your child is guided by passionate, qualified early childhood teachers who are experts in delivering high-quality early education. Our educators create engaging, age-appropriate experiences that align with each child’s learning style and developmental stage. With a deep understanding of early childhood development, our team nurtures confidence, independence, and a love of learning in every child, helping them thrive now and into the school years ahead.
Stimulating Environment
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to spark imagination, exploration, and discovery. Children in our 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindy programs, and long daycare programs enjoy rich learning environments filled with natural materials, literacy-rich zones, creative spaces, and outdoor play areas. Every corner of our centres encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and supports social connections — all in a space where children feel safe, valued, and inspired.
Evidence Based Learning
Aspire’s kindergarten programs are grounded in leading research and best-practice educational approaches. We use evidence-based teaching strategies that support the development of early literacy, numeracy, communication, and emotional regulation. Our educators track each child’s learning journey, using data and observations to adapt experiences and ensure every child is supported to reach their full potential.
Personalised Approach
No two children are the same — and at Aspire, we celebrate that. Our educators build strong, trusting relationships with each child, tailoring our approach to meet their unique interests, learning style, and pace. Whether your child is a confident explorer or a quiet observer, we support their individual journey with warmth, care, and encouragement. This personalised attention lays the foundation for a strong sense of self and school readiness.
Connections with Primary Schools
Transitioning to school is a big milestone, and Aspire ensures your child is ready — emotionally, socially, and academically. We build connections with local primary schools and align our 4-year-old kindergarten curriculum with school expectations. By mirroring routines and introducing foundational skills, we make the move to school feel natural and exciting. Aspire children begin school confident, capable, and ready to thrive.
WA Kindergarten Curriculum & ELYF
At Aspire, our pre-kindy and kindergarten programs are guided by the Australian Government’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This nationally approved curriculum supports children from birth to five years by focusing on three key learning outcomes: Belonging, Being, and Becoming. Aspire’s Kindergarten curriculum is designed by our kindergarten team, in collaboration with local primary schools. This ensures a smooth transition from kindergarten to pre-primary.
We embed the EYLF into every part of the day at our Western Australian centres — from intentional teaching moments to spontaneous play. Children develop foundational skills in communication, emotional well-being, problem-solving, literacy, and numeracy, all through meaningful experiences led by trusted educators. With the EYLF as our guide, we ensure every child in our 3-year-old pre-kindy, 4-year-old kindergarten, and long daycare is supported to thrive now and into the future.
Kindergarten – WA FAQ's
What’s the difference between kindergarten and kindy in WA?
Kindergarten and Kindy both refer to early education received the year before full-time school (pre-primary).
Is kindergarten free or funded in WA?
Children accessing kindergarten in Long Day Care settings do not attract any subsidy from the WA Government.
What age does my child start kindergarten in WA?
Children either start four-year-old kindergarten when they are three or four years old, depending on the month they were born in.
What is the cut-off date for pre-kindy in WA?
There is no cut-off date for pre-kindy in WA but is open to children aged 3-4 years old.
What is the cut-off date for kindy in WA?
Your child needs to be 4 years old by June 30th to start Kindergarten in WA.
Should I delay kindergarten if my child has a birthday close to the cut-off?
Delaying kindergarten for a child with a birthday close to the cut-off date is a common consideration for parents, and the decision depends on individual circumstances. While some children benefit from being older and more mature, others thrive when starting with their age group.
It may be important to consider some of these factors before making your decision:
- Child’s development and social skills
- Emotional maturity
- Level of confidence and independence
- Academic and extra-curricular performance
Consulting with educators and childcare professionals can provide valuable insights specific to your child's needs.
When does the kindergarten year start in WA?
The kindergarten year is aligned with the school year, starting in January/February and ending in December, but the age cut-off for kindergarten is still based on the June 30 date.
At Aspire Early Education, we provide care all-year round so you can enrol in our kindergarten programs at any time you wish.
How many years does my child go to kindergarten in WA?
Most children attend two years of kindergarten before they start their first year of compulsory schooling, pre-primary. Children in WA typically start with 3-year-old pre-kindy, followed by 4-year-old kindy.
Aspire offers a seamless two-year program to support your child’s development and school readiness.
How many days/hours should my child attend kindergarten in WA?
In Western Australia, all children can access 15 hours of kindergarten per week (30 hours per fortnight), no matter where they live in the state. Alongside Aspire’s Kindergarten Program, attendees can also attend long daycare at the centre.
Is kindergarten compulsory in WA?
While kindergarten is not compulsory, attending a quality early learning program is highly recommended. It helps children build essential social, emotional, and academic skills for a confident start to school.
What is the difference between pre-kindy and kindy programs?
Pre-kindy and kindy (kindergarten) programs are both early childhood education programs, but they serve different age groups and have slightly different focuses.
Pre-kindy, often for children aged 3-4, primarily focuses on social, emotional, and cognitive development, preparing them for kindergarten.
Kindergarten, typically for children aged 4-5, builds on these foundations and introduces more structured learning in areas like literacy and numeracy, preparing them for primary school.
Does my child need to be immunised to attend kindergarten in WA?
To attend Kindergarten in Western Australia, your child must meet immunisation requirements, ensuring better protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
These requirements apply to schools, community kindergartens, and childcare services. If you would like to know more about the kindergarten immunisation requirements or immunisation services visit HealthyWA.
What is the cost of kindergarten in WA?
Kindergarten fees vary based on the number of days your child attends care, your centre’s daily fees, and your eligibility for Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Aspire is a CCS-approved provider, which means eligible families can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Check out our Aspire CCS Calculator, which provides an estimate of your childcare subsidy and calculates your out-of-pocket costs.
Can I claim Child Care Subsidy (CCS) on Aspire’s kindergarten programs?
Yes, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can be applied to kindergarten in Western Australia, specifically when it's delivered within an approved childcare service.
This means if your child attends a long daycare centre that also offers a kindergarten program like Aspire, you may be eligible for CCS to help reduce your fees.
Can my child with additional needs attend kindergarten?
Yes, children with additional needs can attend kindergarten in WA. At Aspire, we work closely with families and specialists to provide inclusive support and tailored learning experiences for children with additional needs.
If you would like to learn more, visit the Children with special education needs page on the WA Department of Education website.
Do you offer tours or orientation before enrolment?
Yes! We offer personalised tours and orientation sessions to help your child and family feel comfortable and confident before starting. It’s a great way to meet our team, see our learning environments, and ask questions.
How do I enrol my child in kindergarten at Aspire?
Enrolling is simple — you can book a tour, contact your local Aspire centre, or visit us in person. Our team will guide you through the enrolment process and answer any questions about kindergarten age, funding, or CCS.
Otherwise you can call the friendly enrolments team on 1800 978 429.
Do you offer meals and snacks during the day?
At Aspire, we offer breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea and cater these meals to each age group. All food is provided by the centre and prepared fresh each day on the premises by our qualified chef who prepares the children’s meals according to the nutritional needs of children as per the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
Our approach caters to picky eaters, food preferences, and cultural diversity, ensuring every child’s needs are met.
What should my child bring to kindergarten each day?
We recommend bringing a labelled bag with spare clothes, a water bottle, and any comfort items your child may need. We provide nutritious meals, sunscreen (unless otherwise specified), and all educational resources.
Do you offer pre-kindy and kindy in the same centre?
Yes, Aspire’s WA centres offer pre-kindy, kindy and long daycare services.
How do you keep families informed of their child's learning and development?
Aspire uses regular updates, learning journals, and our parent communication app Kinderm8 (Storypark) to keep families engaged in their child’s progress. Our educators provide insights into learning, development, wellbeing, and daily activities.
How do you support a smooth transition into kindergarten?
At Aspire, we know that starting kindergarten is a big step — for both children and families. That’s why we create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and supported from day one. Through flexible orientation sessions and secure attachments with our educators, children develop the confidence they need to explore, engage, and grow.
Our play-based programs focus on building independence, emotional regulation, and strong communication skills. We support early literacy through story time, songs, and meaningful conversations, encouraging children to express themselves, ask questions, and develop a love for language. Our classrooms are also vibrant social spaces, where children make friendships, learn to collaborate, and feel a strong sense of belonging.
To support real school readiness, we actively partner with local schools to understand their expectations, routines, and transition programs. This allows us to tailor our 3-year-old pre-kindy and 4-year-old kindergarten experiences to help children feel confident and capable when it’s time for the next big step. Aspire children leave with the tools they need — academically, socially, and emotionally — to thrive in the big world ahead.
What are your kindergarten opening hours?
As a long daycare provider, Aspire offers extended hours to support busy families — typically from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Exact hours may vary by centre.
Do you follow a set curriculum?
Yes, Aspire follows the National Early Years Learning Framework, delivering a high-quality curriculum that supports development across literacy, numeracy, STEM, creativity, and social-emotional learning.
Why choose Aspire Kindergarten over a school-based kindy program?
Choosing between Aspire and a school-based kindergarten in Western Australia often comes down to individual needs, values, and priorities.
Aspire’s kindergartens offer smaller class sizes, more personalised attention, and specialised programs throughout the week to help provide a strong foundation for primary school.
