3 and 4 year old Kindergarten FAQ’s
In 2023, 3 and 4 year olds will be able to access free Kindergarten at sessional and long day care services. A 15-hour per week program will be available to four-year-old children and a 5-to-15-hour program will be available to three-year-old children per week.
Does Kool Kidz offer 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten?
Yes, Kool Kidz offers 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten program integrated with our long day care program.
When can my child start 3 or 4 year old kindergarten?
Families with children born between January and April can choose which year to start Three-Year-Old kindergarten. These children can start in the same year they turn three, or in the year they turn four years of age.
Is 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten funded?
From 2023, Free Kinder will be available for all Victorian three and four year old children at a saving of $2,500 at sessional services or $2,050 per child at long day care services. The Victorian Government will provide funds for each child enrolled to the service, which will be passed onto each family. In long day care services like Kool Kidz, $2,050 must be passed onto parents, which will reduce the out of pocket daily fees.
How many hours of Kindergarten will be funded?
For three-year-olds, this means from 5 and up to 15 hours per week of a kindergarten program.
For four-year-olds, this means 15 hours per week (600 hours a year).
Can a child be enrolled in a Kindergarten program at two different services?
No. A child can only be enrolled to receive kindergarten funding at one kindergarten service. If your child is attending more than one service, you will need to nominate which service you would like to accept funding for, and a signed nomination form will be completed upon enrolment.
Will I still be able to apply for childcare subsidy?
Yes, if you meet the requirements. See our blog on childcare centre subsidy here.
What is the difference between sessional kindergarten and long day care Kindergarten?
Sessional Kindergarten
- Operate during school terms only
- Operate during set hours eg 8:30am – 1:30pm
- Children will need to bring their own packed lunch and snacks
Long day care Kindergarten
- Operate Monday to Friday, 52 weeks a year excluding public holidays
- Long care hours from 6:30am- 6:30pm daily
- All 5 meals are included
- Play based learning program in addition to the 15 hours of Kindergarten
- Dedicated Kindergarten teacher
- Flexibility and peace of mind for parents who work full time and require long day care hours
For more details, contact your nearest Kool Kidz service or book a tour.
