Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is becoming Pre-Prep, with hours gradually increasing from 15 to up to 30 hours each week. Providing a longer program in the year before school gives children of all backgrounds and abilities more time to deepen their learning and development, and for services to strengthen their relationships with families.
Children in some regional areas started Pre-Prep in 2025, and by 2036, all children in Victoria will have access to up to 30 hours per week. This phased rollout aims to develop the workforce, build necessary infrastructure, and prepare services for expanded programs. Some children are eligible for Pre-Prep regardless of where they live in Victoria.
If your child is eligible for Early Start Kindergarten or enrolled in Access to Early Learning, they can access Pre-Prep from 2026. From 2028, families with a Commonwealth concession card or families with triplets, quadruplets or more can access Pre-Prep. Talk to your local service or council for more information, or find out when your child can start Pre-Prep at vic.gov.au/preprep.
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