What is kindergarten?
Kindergarten is a play-based learning program for children in years before school. It helps children build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
To learn more about kindergarten in Victoria visit the Quick guide for parents webpage on the Victorian Government website.
The benefits of kindergarten
Kindergarten helps children:
- Build social skills - by playing, sharing and taking turns with others.
- Develop confidence - by trying new things in a safe, caring environment.
- Learn through play - exploring ideas, solving problems and using their imagination.
- Get ready for school - by practising routines, listening, and following instructions.
- Grow emotionally and physically - through activities that build coordination, self-awareness and resilience.
Kindergarten teachers create fun, supportive environments where children can learn at their own pace and feel part of a community.
Programs follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
Visit our Choosing a kindergarten page for tips on selecting a program that suits your family.
Age & eligibility
- 3-year-old programs: children must have turned 3 by April 30 in the year they attend.
- 4-year-old programs: children must have turned 4 by April 30 in the year they attend.
- A child cannot attend more than one State Government funded kindergarten program at the same time.
- Use the Victorian Government age eligibility calculator to check your child’s eligibility.
Visit our Register for kindergarten page for information on how to register.
How do I know if my child is ready for kindergarten
Every child develops at their own pace, and being “ready” for kindergarten looks different for each family. Most children are ready to start when they can:
- Play and share with other children.
- Follow simple instructions and routines.
- Communicate what they need or how they feel.
- Try new things and take part in group activities.
If you’re unsure, speak with your child’s early childhood educator, maternal and child health nurse, or your local kindergarten. They can help you decide what’s best for your child.
Program types
- Sessional Kindergarten: standard program, usually a few hours per day, 2–5 days per week.
- Long Day Care with Kindergarten: integrated programs within childcare centres.
- School-based Kindergarten: delivered on school sites, may have additional transition programs.
Visit the Choosing a kindergarten page for more information.
Only sessional programs participate in the Central Registration Scheme (CRS).
Families looking for childcare-based programs should see the Long Day Care page.
Hours & duration
- Typical hours per week: 15 hours per week, session lengths vary according to service.
- Number of days per week varies by program and provider.
- Programs do not run during school holidays.
Costs & funding
Kindergarten is funded by the State Government. At most sessional services, there is low- to no-cost.
Childcare and long daycare attract a daily fee.
For more information on funded kindergarten in Victoria, visit the Victorian Government website.
Central Registration Scheme (CRS)
- CRS allows parents to register through one process for all participating sessional kindergartens.
- Council manages registrations and allocation for CRS kindergartens.
- Registration opens 1 May each year for the following year.
- Families must register each year their child attends kindergarten.
- All non-CRS participating kindergarten services are managed independently. Please contact the service directly for information and registration.
Visit our Find a kindergarten page for program locations and availability.
Key terms explained
- CRS: Central Registration Scheme, simplifies registration across multiple kindergartens.
- Participating Kindergarten: sessional kindergarten in the CRS.
- Non-CRS Kindergarten: sessional kindergartens not in the CRS; register directly with provider.
- Priority of Access: how allocations are decided.
Next steps
- Choosing a kindergarten – tips on selecting a program that suits your family.
- Find a kindergarten – search for kindergartens near you.
- Register for kindergarten – start the registration process.
Need help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or call our Early Years team on 9298 8000.
