Preschool FAQs
While both childcare and Preschool nurture young children and facilitate their early development, our Preschools are closely connected to the school environment and focus on play-based learning, supporting children's growth in a way that gently prepares them for school. Our environment and routines are designed to reflect the rhythms of school life and foster a strong sense of belonging and learning.
Each class is led by a qualified teacher and follows the national Early Learning Framework: Being, Belonging, Becoming. Children engage in a play-based curriculum alongside experiences in literacy, numeracy, science, the arts, physical education and music. They also participate in classroom visits and access College facilities, supporting a smooth and confident transition to Reception.
In contrast, long day care settings offer flexibility with extended hours and full-time care options, which may suit some families' needs. In some cases, children may benefit from attending both long day care and our Preschool program, depending on what works best for the family and supports the child's learning and family routine.
Children can attend half-day or full-day sessions from the age of three. Children should be able to manage their toileting needs independently as although our educators will provide gentle reminders and promote capability through clear routines and child-accessible facilities, we do not have nappy-changing facilities on site. Additionally, while quiet rest time is available for those who need it, we do not have dedicated areas to support regular daytime sleep.
The Preschool operates from 8.30am to 4.30pm. While the full Preschool Program is offered during school terms, a holiday program provides an optional opportunity for care for families during school breaks, with children able to attend on the usual enrolled days.
This program is led by our familiar team of qualified educators, ensuring continuity of care in a safe and engaging environment.
The Preschools close for four weeks over the Christmas and new year period every year.
We work with families to determine the best patten of attendance for each child. Children can begin with a minimum of two half-days or one full-day when they turn three. We have found that attending more than once a week helps build confidence, connection and continuity. Three-year-olds often build up to three days, while four-year-olds may attend up to four days.
Preschool children wear the Trinity College sports uniform, including the College hat each day. The full uniform can be purchased from STARstore the sole supplier of Trinity College uniforms.
STARstore is located in STARplex and is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. For further information or to organise uniform fittings please telephone 8522 0643.
Our Director of Early Years collaborates with Preschool Directors and Junior School staff to strengthen connections and ensure smooth transitions to school. Children are part of the broader Trinity community throughout their time at Preschool, regularly visiting College facilities and participating in events. During the term before starting school, children also engage in classroom visits to support a confident and familiar start to Reception.
Preschool fees are invoiced weekly in arrears for the gap fee (the difference between the full fee and your CCS). Families can choose to pay via Direct Debit (preferred), BPAY or directly through XAP.
2025 Fees
Full-day session (8 hours) $133.00
Half-day session (4 hours) $66.50
Sessions begin and end promptly. A fee of $10.00 plus $2 per minute, per child will apply for late collections to cover the cost of the required two staff who must remain with the child.
Our Preschools are approved long day care providers, as such, eligible parents can claim the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Families will be asked to provide their details at the time of enrolment and then, if eligible, the CCS will apply to the Preschool fees, including holiday program fees.
Full details about eligibility, the application process and calculating subsidy amounts can be found on the Services Australia website.
Please note that the CCS is not calculated as a flat percentage of our daily-fee - the formula to calculate an estimate of your subsidy can be found on the Services Australia website or alternatively please contact your Preschool to ask for an estimate.
Fees are charged for booked days, including if your child is away due to illness or holidays however, families are not charged during term breaks unless their child attends the holiday program. Families are not charged for days that coincide with a state or national public holiday.
Under Government guidelines, families are entitled to 42 allowable absence days per financial year while still receiving CCS. If your child is absent due to illness and you provide a medical certificate, these days will not count towards the 42-day limit.
If your child is unwell and you see a doctor, please provide the certificate to the Preschool Administration Officer to ensure the absence is recorded appropriately.
Families can complete an online Preschool application form. Once a formal offer of a place is made, we ask that you provide a copy of your child's Immunisation History Statement to confirm their immunisations are up to date or they are on an approved catch-up schedule.
We also ask that you provide the Preschool with any applicable court orders or allied health reports, for example occupational or speech therapy or similar.
Places are offered to families during the semester before a preferred start date. You will receive an email with a formal letter of offer that includes a link to finalise the online enrolment.
All enrolled children will be invited to attend an orientation morning during the term before they will commence Preschool. Visit the Preschool Enrolment page to lodge an application.
Following changes to the South Australian Public Health Act 2011 (the Act), from 7 August 2020, children can not enrol in or attend early childhood services unless all immunisation requirements are met.
Immunisation History Statements must be supplied by parents/guardians to the early childhood service at specified times and early childhood services must keep a current copy of any approved immunisation record for each child enrolled in, or attending that service.
Please refer to information provided by SA Health regarding immunisation requirements at the Preschools.
The Preschools stay connected with families through face-to-face conversations, regular emails and updates via Xap. All Trinity College Preschools use Xap to support communication and keep families informed. Xap also facilitates administrative functions including fee management, attendance tracking and notifications helping to build meaningful connections between home and Preschool.
Yes, you will need to lodge an Application for Enrolment at Trinity College to secure a place for your child to commence at Reception, even if they are currently attending a College Preschool.
Enrolment at Preschool does not automatically guarantee a place in Reception at a Trinity College R to 10 school, so we encourage families to apply as early as possible to secure their preferred campus and intake year.
For further information or assistance, we encourage you to visit the Trinity College Enrolment webpage or contact the Enrolments Team on 8522 0666.
