The benefits of kindergarten

Going to kindergarten is an important step for you, and your child. Kindergarten provides children with life skills and opportunities to be successful in all developmental areas, setting a strong foundation for their educational journey.

Kindergarten provides experiences for children to grow and develop through play and interaction. It also allows children to become confident learners in a safe and supported environment, providing a framework of belonging, being and becoming.

Kindergarten expands children’s knowledge and connection of themselves, family,culture, their environment and the broader community.

Kindergarten programs are designed to expand your child’s development in key areas.

  • Children have a strong sense of identity by becoming independent, and are provided with opportunities to explore their feelings and relationships with others.
  • Children are connected with, and contribute, to their world, by learning about their environment, cultures and heritage of others.
  • Children have a strong sense of wellbeing by being involved in physical activity, learning practice and resilience and being provided with opportunities to strengthen decision-making skills.
  • Children are confident and involved learners where they are challenged and inspired to investigate and explore.
  • Children are effective communicators where children are immersed and involved in language with a range of contexts and materials.

Kindergarten provides families with access to:

  • Support and assistance for children with additional needs
  • Resources and links to community support services.
  • Funding for eligible families – see eligibility criteria below.

Early Start Kindergarten Funding

Early Start Kindergarten funding provide eligible children with access to 15 hours of free or low-cost kindergarten each week for two years prior to starting school.

To be eligible, children must be three-years-old by 30 April in the year they start, your family has had contact with Child Protection (or been referred to Child FIRST), your child is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent or from a refugee or asylum seeker background.

Kindergarten Fee Subsidy

The Kindergarten fee subsidy allows children to access up to 15 hours of kindergarten the year before starting school. Parents can can access this subsidy if:

  • Your child is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
  • Your child is a multiple birth (triplet or more)

Or, if your child has a parent or guardian who holds one of the following:

  • A Commonwealth Health Care Cards
  • A Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
  • A Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card or White Card
  • A Refugee or Asylum Seeker visa (200-204, 786 or 866)
  • A Bridging visas for any of the above Refugee or Asylum Seeker visas.

Find out more at www.education.vic.gov.au/kindergarten

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