Services across the state are offering more hours of Four-Year-Old Kindergarten through Pre-Prep. This has rolled out in 18 local government areas (LGAs) since 2025. This year Pre-Prep has also launched statewide for children prioritised for early access.
Throughout April, May and June 2026, the department will host Pre-Prep and Koorie community pop-up events in locations where Pre-Prep is launching in 2027. These events will help families learn more about kindergarten programs and enrolment options.
In one town in each of the 2027 Pre-Prep local government areas, the department will have dedicated event staff on site to talk to families about eligibility, enrolment and the benefits of early childhood education.
Pop-ups will provide general information and direct families to speak to local services. Services play an important role in helping families understand how to access, enrol and participate in kindergarten programs, including Pre-Prep.
Find your local Pre-Prep pop-up
The Pre-Prep information stand will be in the following towns and suburbs of 2027 roll-out LGAs:
- Saturday 11 April – Yarrawonga – Lions Club Kiosk (Moira Shire)
- Sunday 12 April – Beechworth – Rutherglen Market (Indigo Shire)
- Monday 13 April – Bright – Outside Bright Library (Alpine Shire)
- Saturday 18 April – Port Fairy – Port Fairy Farmers Market (Moyne Shire)
- Sunday 19 April – Hamilton – Outside Hamilton Cinema (Southern Grampians Shire)
- Saturday 2 May – Bacchus Marsh – The Village Shopping Centre (Central Goldfields Shire)
- Saturday 9 May – Swan Hill – Community Tree (Swan Hill Rural City)
- Friday 15 May – Maryborough – Maryborough Branch Library (Moorabool Shire)
- Sunday 17 May – Leongatha – Rail Trail Market (South Gippsland Shire)
- Saturday 30 May – Portland – Portland Library (Glenelg Shire)
- Sunday 31 May – Colac – Colac Memorial Square Playground (Colac-Otway Shire)
- Saturday 6 June – Edenhope – Henley Park (West Wimmera Shire).
Koorie community events
The Koorie community pop-ups are listed below with several aligning with First Nations community events and spaces. This will help us reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and promote the availability of additional hours through Early Start Kindergarten and Pre-Prep.
The Koorie community pop-ups are:
- Saturday 9 May - Swan Hill – Community Tree (Swan Hill Rural City)*
- Thursday, 21 May - Frankston - Kirrup Playgroup (City of Frankston)
- Friday 22 May – Melbourne – The Long Walk, Birrarung Marr (City of Melbourne)
- Saturday 23 May – Melton – Melton Library and Learning Hub (City of Melton)
- Saturday 30 May – Portland – Portland Library (Glenelg Shire)*
*2027 Pre-Prep roll-out LGA.
Find out more
If your service is interested in learning more about these information stands, please contact EC.portfolio.communications@education.vic.gov.au.
For more information about Pre-Prep roll-out schedule, visit www.vic.gov.au/pre-prep-roll-out-schedule.
Updated