Is Kindergarten Free in Victoria?
The ‘Free Kinder‘ initiative is available at participating standalone (sessional) kindergartens and long day care (childcare) centres across Victoria.
What is Funded Kindergarten?
Funded kindergarten gives families access to up to 15 hours per week of a government-approved kindergarten program.
These programs are carefully designed to support your child’s learning, growth, and confidence, helping them make a smooth transition to primary school.
Who is Eligible?
All children are eligible for funded kindergarten in Victoria if they are:
- 3 years old (by 30 April in the year they attend a 3-year-old program), or
- 4 years old (by 30 April in the year they attend a 4-year-old program).
Program Requirements
To be considered a funded kindergarten program, services must deliver at least 600 hours of kindergarten per year, which may be spread over the school year in weekly or fortnightly sessions.
At Wonderland Childcare and Kinder, we proudly participate in the Victorian Government’s Funded Kindergarten program.
✨ Our 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs run daily from 9am – 5pm, led by qualified early childhood teachers (ECTs) who create an inclusive, nurturing and engaging environment.
Our tailored kinder programs focus on your child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, preparing them for a confident and successful start to school.
Learn more about our kindergarten programs via:
Approved, free and government funded Pre-Kinder program
Approved, free and government funded Kinder program
Free Kinder in Victoria (Updated 2025)
If you choose to claim Free Kinder, here’s how it works:
- The Victorian Government pays the subsidy directly to your kindergarten provider.
- Your centre will then apply the Free Kinder offset to your fees on a regular basis (weekly or fortnightly).
- On your invoice, this will appear clearly as: “Victorian Government Free Kinder offset”.
