The inclusion of children with additional needs in kindergarten programs remains a core priority for the department.
In the first phase of improvements to the Kindergarten Inclusion Support(opens in a new window) (KIS) program, a new centralised submission and assessment process, managed by Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA), was introduced last year.
This resulted in better response times for application outcomes despite a more than 30% increase in demand for the program.
The next phase of the improvements project, to digitise KIS applications, is well underway.
This digitisation responds to feedback from the early childhood sector to streamline the process of completing KIS applications and is aimed at reducing the administrative burden on early childhood staff.
How will I access the new form?
The digital form can be accessed the week beginning Monday 6 October 2025 from the current KIS application submission site. This will replace the manual form and will be used for all KIS applications that are submitted throughout the year and into the future.
From that date, any staff member in a kindergarten service seeking to lodge an application will need to create an account. These accounts will require individual email addresses for each user, in addition to multi-factor authentication.
There is no change in the submission process for KIS applications submitted before Monday 6 October 2025. It is recommended that applications for 2026 be submitted via the digital form from Term 4 this year.
What guidance and support will be available?
Services can contact their local KIS provider for further advice and support. These providers will also deliver workshops on the new process in the weeks leading up to the end of Term 3.
The KIS application support team can be contacted on 1300 564 149 to help with the submission process.
Find out more
For more information on the KIS program, including the guidelines and list of KIS providers in your area, please visit the Kindergarten Inclusion Support webpage(opens in a new window).
We also offer a range of other inclusion supports, including:
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