Funded kindergarten
Funded Kindergarten means programs that get financial help from the state government ensuring fees are low for families.
Funding limits are currently:
- 5 to 15 hour a week kindergarten program for 3 year olds, and
- 15 hour a week kindergarten program for 4 year olds.
The State Government is planning gradual increases to these funded hours through the Best Start Best Life reforms.
You can only enrol your child in one funded kindergarten program per year.
Types of Kindergarten Programs
There are 2 types of programs available:
- Sessional programs
- Integrated into Long Day Care programs
Find more information about both programs on the Find a Kinder page.
Sessional programs
Sessional programs are offered as a weekly schedule in line with the funded hours above. Most sessional programs in Knox are part of Knox’s Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES) but some are not. More information can be found about other providers of funded kindergarten in Knox.
Integrated into Long Day Care programs
This is kindergarten that is included when a child attends Long Day Care for a minimum of three days per week. This type is not included in the CRES. To register for integrated programs, select it when registering for Long Day Care on our website or enquire with your Long Day Care provider.
Central Registration & Enrolment Scheme (CRES)
The CRES provides families with one easily accessible way to register and enrol their child in sessional kindergarten.
Register for multiple participating kindergarten programs within Knox in one place and nominate which kindergarten you prefer.
It includes funded sessional kindergarten programs only. Please go to the Long Day Care page if you want to register for an integrated program.
Register for kindergarten on Council’s website using Knox’s Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES) from 1 April for the following year attendance.
CRES Participating Programs
These are kindergartens that participate in the Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES). All these kindergartens are funded and sessional programs.
Non-CRES Participating Programs
Not all sessional kindergarten programs in Knox are part of the CRES.
Sessional programs are also offered by other independent providers and some schools offer sessional kindergarten.
See our page Other providers of funded kindergarten in Knox for these providers.
More information
Other important things to know about kindergarten include:
Family & Children's Service newsletter
Receive up-to-date information and events for families.
Need help?
Email kindergarten@knox.vic.gov.au and we will get back to you.
We aim to contact you within 3 business days after receiving your enquiry.
Or call our Kindergarten Services team on 9298 8000.