Kindergarten

Where is funded kindergarten offered?

Funded kindergarten is offered in stand-alone community kindergartens (during school terms), child care centres, children's centres and early learning centres.

Eligible children can receive a funding subsidy for 15 hours per week for four-year-olds and 5-15 hours per week for three-year-olds.

View our map to find participating sessional kindergartens in Kingston.

Is my child eligible?

Children who turn three or four before 30 April in the year they attend are eligible for kindergarten.

For example, children who are born between 1 May 2020 and 30 April 2021 will be eligible to start funded kindergarten in 2024.

How are registrations prioritised?

Children are prioritised based on the Victorian Government’s Kindergarten Funding Guidelines and each child’s residential proximity and prior connection to the service of preference.

When are places allocated?

There are three formal allocation rounds held in July and August in the year before your child attends kindergarten. To be included in the first allocation round, submit your registration by 30 June.

Allocation rounds for kindergarten in 2024:

• 31 July - 4 August
• 14 - 18 August
• 28 August - 1 September

What if I don't get my first group preference?

You can:

• stay on the wait list until there is a vacancy
• accept the offer and remain on the wait list for a place at your preferred group. 

Can my child start kindergarten before they turn three?

Depending on staff numbers and demand, some kindergartens may allow your child to start early. Check with your preferred kindergarten.

Can my child repeat a year of three-year-old kindergarten?

No, children will move from three-year-old kindergarten to four-year-old kindergarten in the following year.

If you or the educators still hold concerns about your child’s development, a second year of four-year-old kindergarten can be considered. 

Will I be guaranteed a place at the same kindergarten my child attends three-year-old?

Three and four-year-old places are allocated separately.

Every effort will be made to place children at the same kindergarten for both years, unfortunately we aren’t able to guarantee this.

How do I change my kindergarten group preferences?

You can change your kindergarten group preference at any time by submitting your information using our online form or send an email to kindergartenenrolment@kingston.vic.gov.au.

Can my child repeat four-year-old kindergarten?

Yes, if your child meets the Victorian Government’s criteria for a second year of four-year-old kindergarten, and it is supported by the educators. 

What if my child hasn’t attended three-year-old kindergarten, can I still register for a place in four-year-old?

Yes.

Do I need to apply for funding?

No, the funding subsidy for three and four-year-old kindergarten will be paid directly to the service provider and you will only be required to pay the gap.

How much does kindergarten cost?

The Victorian Government has announced that kindergarten will be free for eligible children attending a participating service.

Children are able to access fifteen hours for a four year old program, and between five and fifteen hours for a three year old program for free. Additional hours offered by a service are optional and will incur a fee.

You can email us at kindergartenenrolment@kingston.vic.gov.au or get in touch with your kindergarten directly for more information.

Can my child attend more than one funded kindergarten program?

No. All children are eligible to receive two years of funded kindergarten at one location each year.

Children who are planning to access their kindergarten funding at a participating sessional kindergarten service are able to register through our central registration process (above).

What is Early Start Kindergarten?

Early Start Kindergarten provides up to 15 hours of free or low-cost kindergarten to eligible three-year-old children where the programs are offered by a qualified teacher.

You can email us at kindergartenenrolment@kingston.vic.gov.au or get in touch with your kindergarten directly for more information.

Where can I get more information?

More information about kindergarten funding is available from the Department of Education.

For more information about the kindergarten registration process or to provide us with feedback please contact the Kindergarten Central Registration Team on 9581 4851.