More hours of 4-year-old Kindergarten (Pre-prep)
All Victorian children can now benefit from two years of free, quality, play-based kindergarten learning.
4-year-old kindergarten is progressively expanding across Victoria from 15 to 30 hours per week. Programs are play-based and delivered by qualified teachers.
Increasing the hours of play-based learning in the year before school gives children even greater access to the many benefits of early childhood education.
Free Kinder is for everyone – you do not need to be a permanent resident or Australian citizen to access a free kindergarten program.
Additional hours of 4-year-old kindergarten will gradually roll out across the state, beginning in Whittlesea in 2026. The staged scheduled roll out allows time to grow the workforce, build the infrastructure, and provide services to prepare for expanded programs. If you would like to know more about this State Government initiative, please visit the Victorian Government website.
Hours are increasing and rolling out in stages
In 2026 and 2027, between 16 and 25 hours of 4-year-old kindergarten will be available statewide for children in the following groups:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- children from a refugee or asylum seeker background
- children who have had contact with child protection services
- children supported by Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early Learning in their 3-year-old kindergarten year.
If you think your child may be eligible for additional hours, please contact us to discuss what the program could look like for your child in 2026 or 2027. The number of hours available may vary depending on the kindergarten you choose.
Children attending Early Start Kindergarten in 2026 will be eligible for additional 4-year-old kindergarten hours in 2027.
From 2028, additional hours of 4-year-old kindergarten will be available statewide to children who meet the existing eligibility criteria, as well as children in the following groups:
- children who have, or whose parent or guardian has, a Commonwealth concession card
- children from a multiple birth of triplets or more.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is my child eligible for additional hours of 4-year-old kindergarten in 2026 or 2027?
Your child is eligible for additional 4-year-old kindergarten hours if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- children from a refugee or asylum seeker background
- children who have had contact with child protection services
- children supported by Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early Learning in their 3-year-old kindergarten year.
If my child is not eligible for additional hours of 4-year-old kindergarten in 2026 or 2027, how many hours are they entitled to?
If your child is not eligible for additional hours in 2026 or 2027, they will be entitled to 15 hours of funded kindergarten per week in the two years before starting school.
Is my child eligible for additional hours of 4-year-old kindergarten in 2028?
Your child is eligible for additional 4-year-old kindergarten hours in 2028 if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- children from a refugee or asylum seeker background
- children who have had contact with child protection services
- children supported by Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early Learning in their 3-year-old kindergarten year
- Children who have or have a parent or guardian who has a Commonwealth concession card
- Children from a multiple birth (triplets or more).
How can I register for additional hours of 4-year-old kindergarten?
Complete the online Whittlesea kindergarten registration form below and select the eligibility criteria that applies to your child.
Apply now
Most childcare centres offer a kindergarten program incorporated within the long day care program. You can apply directly to these centres. Visit our Childcare centres page for more information.
How can I learn more about the roll out of additional hours of 4-year-old kindergarten?
Please visit the Victorian Government website for more information.