Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) delivering funded kindergarten programs receive a single streamlined per-child funding rate.
The ACCO funding model providers greater funding certainty and flexibility to support kindergarten programs that meet the needs of First Nations children, families and their communities.
How ACCO funding works
ACCO-managed services receive a single rate for each child enrolled in a funded kindergarten program.
The rate is based on a 15-hour kindergarten program. Funding is adjusted to each child's enrolled hours.
To provide greater funding certainty, ACCO-managed services receive a minimum level of funding equivalent to 18 enrolments, even if fewer children are enrolled. This applies to both sessional and long day care kindergarten programs.
The ACCO funding rate applies to all children enrolled in the funded kindergarten program.
For the current ACCO funding rate, check the kindergarten funding rates page.
Funding is calculated automatically using enrolment information recorded in Arrival.
ACCO funding requirements and flexibility
ACCO funding must be used for the delivery of kindergarten programs and related activities, in line with the service agreement and Kindergarten Funding Guide.
ACCOs have flexibility to use funding in ways that best meet the needs of First Nations children, families and communities.
This may include:
- additional staff time
- cultural and language programs
- activities that support children’s participation
- family engagement
- outreach and stronger connections with other early childhood services directly reducing parent fees.
Accurate records of how kindergarten funding is spent must continue to be maintained in line with the Kindergarten Funding Guide and made available to the department on request.
Free Kinder requirements
Free Kinder is included in the ACCO funding rate rather than provided as a separate payment.
ACCO-managed services must continue to pass on the Free Kinder benefits to families.
- Sessional kindergarten: programs must be free for all children.
- Long day care: kindergarten fees must be reduced by at least the equivalent sessional Free Kinder amount, adjusted for each child’s enrolled hours.
The current sessional Free Kinder rate is available on the kindergarten funding rates page.
School Readiness Funding (SRF) plans
ACCO services are not required to develop an SRF plan.
Services can continue to access supports from the SRF menu that meet the needs of children, families and communities.
More hours of 4-Year-Old Kinder
First Nations children can access more hours of 4-Year-Old Kinder, no matter where they live in Victoria.
Non-First Nations children attending an ACCO-managed service can also access more hours where they meet the relevant eligibility requirements or additional hours have rolled out in their geographical area.
Services can check the 4-Year-Old Kinder roll-out schedule for information about when more hours become available in their area.
Available support for ACCOs
The department has engaged the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI) and SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children to provide support to ACCO-managed funded kindergarten providers.
The department’s Early Childhood Improvement Branches (ECIBs) will continue to provide support and advice to ACCO-managed providers. ACCOs are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their local ECIB for guidance, updates and discussions about how kindergarten funding can best support their communities.
Additional support is also available for children with specific needs, including Kindergarten Inclusion Support and the Preschool Field Officers program.
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