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Kindergarten Central Registration and Enrolment

Guidance and support for local councils to expand and enhance their kindergarten registration and enrolment service.

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Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES)

Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES) is a best practice model for local councils and other organisations to support families and carers to secure a kindergarten place for their child.

CRES provides a single point for families to apply for multiple kindergarten services within a local government area, helping them secure a place that meets their needs.

It encourages closer links between Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and family support services, kindergartens and councils, to improve the early identification and engagement of families who need more support to register and enrol their children in kindergarten.

The CRES model is underpinned by six principles that promote consistent, inclusive and equitable access for families, service providers and support services. The model is supported by practical guides, tools and templates which can be easily adopted and tailored to each councils’ circumstance.

The model was developed by the department in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria, through a co-design process with councils, kindergarten service providers, Early Years Managers, MCH, community organisations, early childhood peak bodies and other support services.

Vision for central registration and enrolment

The overarching vision for central registration and enrolment in Victoria is:

Support for councils: best practice guides and resources

The CRES best practice guides and resources support councils and service providers to develop and implement registration and enrolment practices that promote consistent, inclusive and equitable access for families to kindergarten. The resources below can be easily adapted and tailored to suit local circumstances.

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Development guide (word and pdf)

Guidance and resources to establish, improve, or expand an existing CRES.

Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme Development Guide PDF 2.44 MB (opens in a new window)

Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme Development Guide Word 5.56 MB (opens in a new window)

Supporting templates and resources

A.1 - To begin to build support for the CRES among internal stakeholders and get permission from management to develop a stakeholder engagement template and business case.

Appendix A1 - Discussion paper template Word 198.17 KB (opens in a new window)

A.2 - To guide the stakeholder engagement strategy as the CRES is being established and during ongoing delivery.

Appendix A2 - Stakeholder engagement plan template Word 124.71 KB (opens in a new window)

A.3 - To encourage all service types to participate in CRES with transparency around any service fees for scheme participation where applicable, reducing fees for community service organisations that have an active social purpose to support disadvantaged families and carers.

Appendix A3 - Promotional materials for service providers and peak bodies Word 90.21 KB (opens in a new window)

A.4 - For service providers to indicate their intent to participate in a prospective CRES and strengthen a potential business case.

Appendix A4 - Letter of intent template Word 85.72 KB (opens in a new window)

A.5 - To guide the research that will inform the business case and development of the CRES.

Appendix A5 - Research plan template Word 96.13 KB (opens in a new window)

A.6 - The formal case to put to the council’s executive team that aims to secure a policy commitment to the CRES.

Appendix A6 - Business case template Word 759.15 KB (opens in a new window)

A.7 - To guide the structure of the CRES web page and provide draft content for the page.

Appendix A7 - Website content template Word 100.6 KB (opens in a new window)

A.8 - A formal agreement between the CRES Provider and CRES Partners to support the CRES.

Appendix A8 - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) template Word 94.12 KB (opens in a new window)

A.9 - Draft clauses to include in lease/service agreements that require service providers to join the CRES.

Appendix A9 - Suggested clauses for service level agreements Word 86.52 KB (opens in a new window)

Practice Guide (word and pdf)

Annual process guide for operating a best practice scheme.

Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme Practice Guide PDF 1.52 MB (opens in a new window)

Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme Practice Guide Word 4.65 MB (opens in a new window)

Supporting templates and resources

Appendix A.1 Promotional material for families and carers Word 481.33 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix A.2 CRES Fact sheet for families and carers (portrait) PPT 576.66 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix A.3 CRES Fact sheet for families and carers (landscape) PPT 92.79 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix B Information for CRES Partners Word 106.71 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix C Referral form template Word 395.57 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix D Registration form template Word 890.65 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix E Kindergarten session time request template Word 401.21 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix F Data transfer template from CRES Provider to service provider Excel 28.92 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix G Family communications template pack Word 95.87 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix H Enrolment form template Word 597.43 KB (opens in a new window)

Appendix I CRES policy guidance Word 87.29 KB (opens in a new window)

Self-Assessment Tool

A self-reflective tool for CRES providers to understand demand in their area, the capability and maturity of the CRES, and to identify areas to improve.

Self Assessment Tool Word 765.47 KB (opens in a new window)

Support for councils: grants

To support councils to establish, operate and enhance CRES across Victoria, the department offers one-off and ongoing grants.

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Since 2018, nearly $3 million in grant funding has been awarded to councils to support the establishment of new CRES; the expansion of existing CRES; or to enhance aspects of CRES (such as improved identification and enrolment of vulnerable children, or improved technology solutions).

Ongoing funding is available to eligible councils to contribute to the operating costs of running a kindergarten CRES.

Administrative support grants are paid to councils for the work carried out to support families, carers and support agencies to register and enrol children in kindergarten services. Grants are calculated based on the confirmed number of children enrolled in participating kindergarten services, from the department’s Kindergarten Information Management System.

Councils that receive an administrative support grant are required to meet the CRES Funding Requirements.

CRES Funding Requirements Word 81.29 KB (opens in a new window)

CRES Funding Requirements PDF 130.35 KB (opens in a new window)

In 2023, 57 councils received an administrative support grant.

Further information

For further information about CRES, contact

Education & training

Updated 27 March 2026

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