Free kindergarten a family saving

As families begin to make choices about their child’s education for 2023, the Andrews Labor Government is encouraging every Victorian family to enrol their child into newly Free Kinder.

Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt announced the Free Kinder funding last week.

“We know families are struggling with the cost of living and free kinder will help make sure no child misses out on the vital years of early education,” Minister Stitt said.

For families, Free Kinder will mean more choice, more flexibility, and more money saved with the Labor Government investing $270 million to provide Free Kinder in 2023 to approximately 140,000 eligible children.

All early childhood education and care providers that deliver a funded kindergarten program in Victoria will be eligible to receive Free Kinder funding from 2023, saving families up to $2,500 per child, every year.

Free Kinder funding will be available in both standalone kindergarten and long day care settings for children enrolled in a funded kindergarten program.

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.

Enrolments for 2023 kinder are currently open. Find out more at vic.gov.au/kinder