In Victoria, children can attend 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs delivered by qualified early childhood teachers and educators. 

In a kindergarten program, children use play to build their language skills and learn about numbers and patterns. They also learn how to get along with others, share, listen, and manage their emotions. These benefits last into the school years and through their whole life. 

 

Your step-by-step guide to starting kindergarten

Free kinder hours 

Two years of kinder before school gives children the best start in life.

  • Three-Year-Old Kindergarten: Between 5 to 15 hours, increasing to 15 hours by 2029.
  • Four-Year-Old Kindergarten: Currently 15 hours

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is becoming Pre-Prep: Funded hours are gradually increasing from 15 to 30 hours each week from 2025. Learn more about Pre-Prep.

Choosing the kinder that works for your family: 

Option 1: Long day care centres (also called childcare centre) 

Children attending a long day care centre receive the free kinder hours listed above, plus extra hours of education and care. These centres stay open during school holidays and may provide meals. 

Funded kinder hours are free, but fees apply for any additional hours.  If this option suits your family, you need to visit the Victorian Government’s Find a Kinder page to contact centres directly and enrol.

Option 2: Sessional kindergartens (also called standalone kindergartens) 

Sessional kindergartens offer free kinder hours on set days and times during the school term. These programs do not run during school holidays. Wyndham City manages the registrations for sessional kindergartens in Wyndham. If this option suits your family, visit the Register for Kindergarten below to find out more. 

Your step-by-step guide to starting kindergarten

step by step guide
  • kindergarten starts each year in January or February.
  • For three-year-old kindergarten, your child must turn three or four on or before 30 April in the year they start.
  • For four-year-old kindergarten, your child must turn four on or before 30 April in the year they start.
  • You need to register your child the year before they begin kindergarten.
  • Registrations will open in March. Complete the form by the end of the May.
  • From July, we look at all applications and offer kindergarten places in three rounds.
  • If your child is offered a place, you will then complete the enrolment directly with the kindergarten.
  • The kindergarten will help you and your child with orientation and make sure you have a warm and supportive start.
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