If you are from a refugee or asylum seeker background you may be eligible for Early Start Kindergarten (ESK). ESK can help ensure you get the maximum amount of Free Kinder program hours possible each week for your child.
How to apply
ESK is available in all kinder programs delivered by a qualified teacher. You can enrol your child by contacting a kinder near you and asking to access an Early Start Kindergarten grant. Kinder services can access a free translation service to provide written information in your language.
You can also contact your local council for assistance. To get help in your language you can call the National Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450, ask the interpreter to call the number of your local council and the interpreter will stay on the phone call and interpret.
When to apply
Children are eligible for ESK if they turn 3 before 30 April in the year they are enrolled to attend 3-Year-Old Kinder. See ‘when to enrol’.
If your child is born between 1 January and 30 April you can choose which year they start 3-Year-Old Kinder. Your child can start 3-Year-Old Kinder in the same year they turn 3, or in the year they turn 4 years of age. If your child starts 3-Year-Old Kinder in the year they turn 3 they will then start school in the year they turn 5. If you choose to send your child to 3-Year-Old Kinder in the year they turn 4, they will start school in the year they turn 6.
If you need help working out when your child is eligible for ESK, you can contact the Department of Education, your local council, your maternal and child health nurse, or a kinder in your area, or any of the following organisations in your area:
- Brotherhood of St Laurence 03 9483 1183
- Foundation House 03 9389 8900
- Fka Children’s Services 03 9428 4471
- VICSEG New Futures 03 9383 2533.
Should my child go to 4-Year-Old Kinder
Yes, children who have accessed Early Start Kindergarten are also eligible for free or low-cost 4-Year-Old Kinder. As of 2026, up to 25 hours of 4-Year-Old Kinder will be available each week for children who:
- are from a refugee or asylum seeker background
- identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- whose family have had contact with child protection.
Enrolling through ESK in the previous year guarantees that your child can access the increased 4-Year-Old Kinder hours each week no matter where they live in Victoria. Families will be eligible for 4-Year-Old Kinder even if they have not enrolled in ESK in the previous year.
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