How to enrol
We are pleased to welcome your family to our ELC community.
Please visit the school website to enrol your child in a Catholic ELC.
You can use our School Finder to locate an ELC near you.
Early learning centre enrolments
In the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, we’re proud to have over 23,000 students enrolled across our community of Catholic schools and early learning centres (ELCs), supported by around 3,000 dedicated teachers, educators and support staff.
Our sustained growth in ELC enrolments reflects the value parents from all backgrounds see in providing their child with a faith-based early education.
Everyone is welcome in our early learning centres
Our ELCs are inclusive, supportive communities where every child and family is valued, respected and welcomed.
We foster a genuine sense of belonging and provide opportunities for children to flourish. Guided by dedicated educators and strong partnerships with families, children are supported to reach their full potential.
Our early learning centres nurture the whole child
Families choose Catholic education because of our holistic approach to learning. Our ELCs nurture the whole child through:
- integral human development
- wellbeing
- high educational standards, and
- values-based education.
Enrol in one of our ELCs
Integral human development
Our Catholic ELCs are committed to the formation of the whole child.
We nurture each child’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development, helping them grow with confidence, purpose and compassion.
Wellbeing
Children’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
Through dedicated wellbeing programs, specialist support services and inclusive learning environments, we ensure every child is known, valued and supported.
Strong educational growth
Our ELCs use evidence-based learning approaches to help every child explore their full potential through intentional teaching practices and personalised learning support.
We equip children with the learning and capabilities they need to thrive when they go to school.
Values-based education
Catholic education is grounded in Gospel values and a commitment to human dignity, respect and service.
Children are encouraged to develop strong character, make ethical decisions and contribute positively to become compassionate, attentive, intelligent, and responsible people in a caring and faith-filled community.
ELC finder
Use the School finder to explore Catholic ELCs in your area and find the right one for your family.
Priority enrolment areas
ACT ELCs are grouped into priority enrolment areas (PEAs). A PEA is the geographic area assigned to an ELC. This helps you identify the local ELC for enrolment. Use Find a school to locate your local ELC and discover the best option for your family.
ELC priority enrolment areas are larger than the Catholic primary school PEAs. This is because our nine ELCs serve 24 schools in the ACT.
How to enrol
Join a welcoming Catholic ELC community where every child is known and valued and can learn to seek and love the truth.
We welcome enrolment applications from students and families of all backgrounds across the ACT. Our ELCs typically accept applications one year before enrolment.
Who can enrol
We accept enrolment applications from families of all backgrounds and faith traditions who are seeking a Catholic education.
If the ELC has more applications than places, they will give priority in accordance with the Catholic Education Enrolment Policy and the enrolment priority levels.
Enrolment age
To enrol in an ELC, your child must be turning 4 years of age before 30 April in the year they start. For example, if your child’s 4th birthday is on 8 March 2028, they are eligible for enrolment in the 2028 intake.
Families on visas
If you’re living in Australia on a temporary resident visa, you can enrol your child in our ELCs.
Government support to pay ELC fees is only available for Australian citizens and permanent residents; this means you will need to pay the full fees if you’re here on a visa.
Enrolment information pack
Choosing an ELC for your child is an important decision. Our enrolment pack contains more information to help you decide.
Enrolment process and timeline
We encourage you to apply in May for enrolment in the following year. This gives your child the best chance of a place in your choice of ELC because capacity is limited.
If you can’t apply during the May enrolment period, you can do so at any time during the year. You’ll receive an offer of enrolment when there’s an available spot for your child at the ELC.
Enrolment process and timeline
We encourage you to apply in May for enrolment in the following year, which gives your child the best chance of a place in your choice of school, as capacity in our schools is limited. In NSW, if you can’t apply during the May enrolment period, you can do so at any time during the school year.
You’ll receive an offer of enrolment when there’s an available spot for your child at the school.
We encourage you to apply in May for enrolment in the following year. This gives your child the best chance of a place in your choice of ELC because capacity is limited.
If you can’t apply during the May enrolment period, you can do so at any time during the year. You’ll receive an offer of enrolment when there’s an available spot for your child at the ELC.
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Step 1
Find your ELC
Use the School Finder feature to find a Catholic ELC near you.
Catholic ELCs in the ACT must give first preference to students who live in their priority enrolment area.
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Step 2
Submit an application
Submit your enrolment application through your chosen ELC’s own website.
Make sure you have electronic documents ready to upload as part of your application.
Make sure your child will be the right age to enrol.
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Step 3
Wait for notification of the outcome
The ELC will notify you of the outcome of your enrolment application.
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Step 4
Accept the offer and sign the enrolment contract
If the ELC has a place for your child, they will send an offer and an enrolment contract to the email address you provided. If you accept the offer, you must sign the contract and send it back to the ELC.
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Step 5
Begin your journey
Your child will begin their journey with Catholic education.
Contact us
We encourage you to contact your chosen ELC to ask questions or for an update on your enrolment application.
For general enquiries about the enrolment process, contact our Enrolment team.
Extra support for families
We understand that every family is different.
If you need support, you can:
- speak with the ELC directly
- ask for help to understand the fees and Child Care Subsidy.
You may also request support for:
- language translation
- children with additional needs
- Defence families
- First Nations families.
