Free Kinder

As part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms, the State Government works to ensure access to two years of play-based educational programs for children before starting school.

Free Kinder is available to all funded kindergarten providers, but each provider has the choice to opt in or out.

This means there may still be out-of-pocket costs if:

  • the service has chosen not to participate in Free Kinder
  • your child is enrolled in an integrated kindergarten program through Long Day Care
  • your child is enrolled in a program that is longer than the maximum Free Kinder funded hours. (the service will charge fees to cover the longer hours, but you can choose to attend for the free program only).

From 2026, kindergarten funding rates are being simplified for services. This means that eligible children will have greater access to free options in sessional services, regardless of whether the service is participating in Free Kinder.

Before applying, you should contact the service directly to confirm your Free Kinder options (including any additional costs that apply for your preferred timetables).

Sessional services (not participating in Free Kinder)

The Department of Education is simplifying funding for sessional services to support eligible children to access Free Kinder hours – even if the service has not opted in to Free Kinder. 

Children are eligible if they:

  • identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
  • are from a refugee or asylum seeker background
  • have had contact with child protection
  • have support from Early Start Kindergarten (ESK) or Access to Early Learning (AEL) in their Three-Year-Old Kindergarten year
  • have or have a parent or guardian who has a Commonwealth concession card
  • are from a multiple birth (triplets or more).

To discuss your options before applying, contact your preferred kindergarten provider directly or contact the Stonnington Central Registration Officer at centralregistration@stonnington.vic.gov.au or 03 8290 1690.

For more information about Free Kinder visit the Victorian Government's Free Kinder webpage.

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