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There are specific ages to start preschool.
Once you’ve worked out your child’s starting age, you can find out how to get a placement in your local preschool.
Between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2025, the Australian Government will provide funding to the South Australian government to support the increase from 12 to 15 hours per week – or 600 hours a year – of quality preschool programs delivered by degree-qualified early childhood teachers to all South Australian children, regardless of the setting in which programs are delivered in the year before school.
In 2024, the Australian Government’s contribution is $1,411 per child.
Eligibility for preschool
Children are entitled to access 4 terms (1 year) of government preschool in the year before they start school.
Children who turn 4 years old:
- before 1 May are eligible to start preschool at the beginning of the year.
- on 1 May to 31 October can commence preschool through the mid-year intake at the start of term 3 of that year
- after 31 October will be eligible to commence preschool at the start of the following year.
Find out more about preschool starting ages for Aboriginal children, children in care and children with disability or additional needs.
Regardless of whether your child starts at the beginning of the year, or through a mid-year intake they will undertake 4 terms of preschool.
If you’re unsure about the best time for your child to start preschool, talk to your preschool director or school principal about your options.
Three-year-old preschool will be rolled out in government preschools in stages from 2026 to 2032.
Calculate when your child can start preschool
Find out when your children can start preschool with our age calculator.
Enter your child's month and year of birth:
Preschool starting ages
Aboriginal children and children in care can start after they turn 3
If your child identifies as Aboriginal or if your child is or has been in care they’re eligible for 15 hours of preschool a week, after they turn 3, continuing until they start school.
Children with disability or additional needs can start earlier
If you have a child with disability or additional needs they might be able to start preschool earlier if there are places available. Talk to the principal or director if this applies to you. Being given early entry to preschool does not guarantee early entry to school.
Your child may be eligible for extra support at preschool. Contact your local preschool to discuss if your child is eligible for the statewide Preschool Support program. For more information see disability support at preschool.
Three-year-old preschool will roll out in stages from 2026
Three-year-old preschool will be implemented in government kindergartens in stages from 2026 to 2032. The government 3-year-old preschool rollout will start in regional and remote areas. For more information see three-year-old-preschool.
Immunisation requirements before starting preschool
Children cannot be enrolled in or attend preschool unless all immunisation requirements are met (No Jab, No Play).
Early childhood services immunisation requirements has more information.
