Preparing for three- and four-year-old kindergarten is an exciting milestone for families.
Across February and March, local councils host kindergarten open days and readiness sessions to help families explore services, understand how registrations work and feel confident about the year ahead.
Sparkways operates a number of community kindergartens across our local areas and works closely with councils to support families through this process.
If you are new to kindergarten or unsure what to expect, these events or a visit to your local service can be a helpful and pressure-free way to learn more and feel confident about next steps.
In Victoria, kindergarten registrations are typically coordinated through local councils, with applications opening between March and April for the following year.
Kindergarten open days
What families can expect
Why these sessions are helpful
Kindergarten open days and readiness sessions are organised by local councils to support families with:
- Understanding how kindergarten works
- Exploring local services
- Learning about registration processes
- Preparing for three- and four-year-old kindergarten
While each council and service is a little different, most open days and sessions include opportunities to:
Explore learning spaces
Families can walk through indoor and outdoor environments, see where children learn and play, and get a feel for the setting.
Meet educators
Open days are a chance to meet teachers and educators, ask questions and learn about the kindergarten program and daily routines.
See learning in action
Some sessions include play-based activities or examples of what children experience during a kindergarten day.
Ask questions
Families are encouraged to ask about:
- Program structure
- Session times
- Transition to school
- How enrolments and registrations work
There is no expectation to enrol on the day. These events are about gathering information and feeling comfortable.
If you are unable to attend an open day, many services also welcome families to contact the kindergarten directly to organise a visit or tour.
For many families, kindergarten is their child’s first experience in an early learning setting.
- Attending open days or readiness sessions can help to:
- Reduce uncertainty and anxiety
- Understand how kindergarten differs from long day care
- Learn what to expect for the year ahead
- Feel confident in next steps
They are also a great opportunity to connect with your local community and see what is available close to home.
Even if you have already attended an open day, it can still be helpful to speak directly with your local kindergarten team if you have questions about programs, enrolments or next steps.
Kindergarten registrations and events across our local areas
Families are encouraged to visit their local council websites for the most up-to-date information, registration dates and session details.
Whittlesea
Kindergarten registrations and open days are coordinated by Whittlesea City Council.
Find information about:
- Kindergarten applications
- Open days
- Key registration dates - 2027 kindergarten registrations are open
Wyndham
Wyndham City Council coordinates kindergarten open days and registration information for local services.
2027 kindergarten registrations open 19 March at 2pm 2026
Melton
Melton City Council hosts Kindergarten Readiness Month, including:
- Parent information sessions
- Online and in-person readiness events
- Kindergarten open nights
- Registration information - 2027 kindergarten registrations open 25 March 2026
Maribyrnong
Maribyrnong City Council manages kindergarten open sessions and central registration for sessional kindergarten services.
2027 kindergarten registrations will open in March 2026
Families who have already submitted an Expression of Interest will receive a registration application form by email when registrations open.