The new Kindergarten Audit and Assurance Program (KAAP) has been designed to strengthen funding compliance in the kindergarten sector and ensure children and families get the full benefit of the Victorian Government’s investment in early childhood education.
It complements existing kindergarten monitoring activities and supports the continued rollout of the Best Start, Best Life reforms, including Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, Pre-Prep and Free Kinder.
Focus on how services use their funding
The KAAP will ensure that funding is being used appropriately and that services are being delivered in line with the Kindergarten Funding Guide and Service Agreement contractual requirements.
The KAAP commenced in October 2025. Throughout the first year around 100 providers, responsible for about 420 early childhood services with funded kindergarten programs, will be audited. This represents more than 1 in 10 funded kinders in Victoria, including a cross-section of large, mid-sized, small and single service providers.
Professional services firms EY and McGrathNicol will deliver the audits. They will work with the department to assess how providers are using kindergarten funding. Through this process, the department aims to build a clearer understanding of how services are meeting compliance obligations. The process will also identify common challenges and barriers providers face so tailored supports and education can be provided.
Helping strengthen trust and confidence
The overarching goal of the KAAP is to ensure that families and children receive the full benefit of kindergarten funding. By reinforcing expectations around the appropriate use of funds and addressing issues, the program will help strengthen trust and confidence in the kindergarten sector. It will support providers to deliver quality outcomes for their communities.
This will also support broader work to strengthen child safety in early childhood education and care services.
Find out more
For more information, contact your local Early Childhood Improvement Branch.
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