Types of kinder programs

Kindergarten programs

In Victoria children can attend 2 years of funded kindergarten, also known as kinder, for 2 years before starting school:

• Three-Year-Old Kindergarten for up to 15 hours each week, followed by
• Four-Year-Old Kindergarten for 15 hours each week, or
• Pre-Prep which is for 16 to 30 hours each week.

All funded kindergarten programs in Victoria are delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher, who supports children to learn through a play-based program.

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is gradually transitioning to Pre-Prep, with programs across Victoria increasing from 15 to 30 hours each week. Other than more hours, there is no difference between Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs. Learn more about Pre-Prep and the roll out schedule.

Free Kinder is available for children enrolled in participating funded Three-and Four-Year-Old kindergarten and Pre-Prep. Find out more about Free Kinder.

How kinder works

In Victoria, kinder programs are offered in 2 settings: Standalone (sessional) kindergartens and long day care services.

No matter where your child goes to kinder, qualified teachers and educators will lead the program.

Standalone (sessional)

Standalone kinder services only operate during the hours of the kinder program. These services set their own days and hours and are often closed during the school holidays. They are sometimes called sessional kinder services.

Long day care centres

Long day care centres provide kinder programs combined with extra hours of care.

The extended hours can include meals, and additional educational and recreational activities for your child.

A long day care centre might suit your family if you:

• need childcare for extended hours, such as while you're at work
• have younger children who also need care at the same time and at the same place as your kinder age child.

Kindergarten supports

Support is available to help children access and participate in kinder, including:

• Early Start Kindergarten
• Access to Early Learning
• Koorie Kids Shine

Early Start Kindergarten

Early Start Kindergarten (ESK) provides eligible 3-year-old children with 15 hours of free or low-cost kindergarten each week. To be eligible for ESK, children must be from a refugee or asylum seeker background, identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander and/or be from a family who has had contact with Child Protection. Learn more about Early Start Kindergarten.

Access to Early Learning

Access to Early Learning (AEL) is an early intervention program for vulnerable 3-year-old children from families with complex needs. It supports these children and families to get the full benefits of attending a quality kindergarten program. Learn more about Access to Early Learning.

Koorie Kids Shine

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can access 15 hours of free Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and, from 2026, 16–25 hours of free Pre-Prep per week. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families can learn about the benefits of kindergarten, including how services create culturally safe places for Koorie children and families, and how to enrol through Koorie Kids Shine.

Choosing the right program for your family

Understanding the differences can help you to choose a program that suits your family's needs.

To explore your options further, try visiting some nearby kinder services and long day care centres. This will help you get a feel for the environment and ask any specific questions. Visit How to choose a kindergarten for more information.