Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) is preparing to open enrolments for three and four-year-old kindergarten places in 2026.
The community health organisation operates two kindergartens in Lakes Entrance, an established site on Coates Road and a new site on Carpenter Street.
The new kindergarten, called the Gippsland Lakes Early Learning Centre, opened this term on the grounds of Lakes Entrance Primary School.
It’s part of the Victorian Government’s Best Start Best Life reforms, which will increase free kinder hours for four-year-old kindergarten to 30 per week by 2031.
Swan Reach parent Renee Karanikis’s four-year-old Louis attends the Early Learning Centre.
“He loves his new centre, all the toys and new things to play with. The new space is quite refreshing as well,” Renee said.
“We are lucky to be able to enjoy the space and help the educators find their way in the new building. All the educators are great; they are compassionate and caring and care for the children and their education.”
For parents and carers wanting more information about kindergarten hours, and to tour facilities, GLCH is holding open days on Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21.
Manager Kate O’Meara said in 2026, both the Carpenter Street Early Learning Centre and the Coates Road Childcare Centre will offer a variety of session options, with extended hours and integrated care available.
“We will be running both three and four-year-old kinder at both our sites, with options for different days and times and longer day hours,” she said.
“Families will need to opt in at the start of the year for either full year care or term times only.”
For details about 2026 session times, parents and carers can contact GLCH or attend this month’s open days.
The Children’s Centre is holding an open day on Tuesday, May 20 from 4.30 – 5.30pm. The Early Learning Centre is open on Wednesday, May 21 from 4pm – 5.30pm.
