Preschool 3 to 5 years

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The preschool years are an important time in your child’s life. Draw on the many services and support networks in Boroondara to assist you and your child.

Get ready

From starting kindergarten to learning to read, get ready for your preschooler's development in these crucial years.

Your child is eligible to attend a kindergarten program if they turn 3 years of age before 30 April. Use our kindergarten dates calculator to see when they can start kindergarten and add important enrolment dates to your calendar.
Get your 4 year vaccination. Use our immunisation calculator to add scheduled immunisations to your calendar.
Go to your 3-and-a-half to 4-year key age and stage appointment with your Maternal and Child Health nurse.
Look into childcare for your child if you need it. Occasional care can be helpful for many parents.
Download the Victorian Government's free Maternal and Child Health app.
The transition from kindergarten to primary school is an important time in a child's education. Gather information about schools, visit on open days and talk to key staff. Read the Victorian Government guide to starting primary school.
Visit our Reading advice for preschool 3 to 5 years page to find reading recommendations and programs for your child.
Be sure you've got the right car seat for your child's age and height. Visit the Transport Victoria website to find out how to choose and install a seat.

Reliable resources and support

Use these tried and trusted sources for guidance and support in raising preschoolers.

Your MCH nurse will give advice on your child’s developmental milestones at your key age and stage appointments. You can also make an appointment by emailing [email protected] or calling 9278 4606.
Use the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel website for quality-assured, reliable and easy to understand information on children aged 4 to 12.
Visit our Support for families page to find organisations that support families who live, work or study in Boroondara.
Find evidence-based information and advice for raising 3- to 5-year-olds on the Raising Children Network website.
Find advice on how to support young children to have safe and enjoyable experiences online at the Australian Government's eSafety website.
Get tips on healthy eating ideas for kindergarten lunchboxes at the Better Health Channel website.
Parentline provides free counselling and advice for parents and carers of children up to 18 years old, from 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week. Call 13 22 89.
Kids Helpline: call anytime for any reason, whether for counselling or just someone to talk to. Visit the Kids Helpline website or call 1800 551 800 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
The National Breastfeeding Helpline shares breastfeeding knowledge and help with overcoming common hurdles 24/7. Call 1800 686 268.
Victorian Poisons Information Centre: trained staff will give first aid information, tell you if you need to call an ambulance or may refer you to a doctor for treatment. Call 13 11 26.
Nurse on Call helpline puts you directly in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional health around the clock. Call 1300 60 60 24.
Call the Victorian Government's MCH Line for free, confidential advice 24/7 from a qualified MCH nurse. Call 13 22 29.

Activities

Take yourself and your preschooler out for a fun and engaging activity in Boroondara.

Join a free event at one of our libraries – Storytime is perfect for preschoolers!
Join the Boroondara Library Service to borrow picture books and early readers for your child and to stream child-friendly TV shows and films for free using your library card. Become a library member.
Browse activities and events for preschoolers and families in Boroondara.
Check out the range of activities and events on offer at one of the 11 neighbourhood houses and community centres in Boroondara.
Stay active by joining a local walking group.
Children aged 3 and up may be ready to start learning basic strokes and water safety skills – enrol them in swimming lessons at one of our local pools.
Join a playgroup to meet other parents and children of similar ages.
Join a toy library to gain regular access to different toys and games.
Join a Kinderfun introductory gymnastics class for 4-to-5 year olds.