Free Kinder
Savings to help Victorian families access two years of quality kindergarten
What is Free Kinder?
Free Kinder is a Victorian Government initiative that lowers the cost of funded Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, including Pre-Prep. It is offered at participating sessional kindergartens and long day care centres across Victoria.
Who can access it?
Every Victorian family. You do not need a Health Care Card, Australian citizenship, proof of address, or eligibility for Child Care Subsidy.
One service at a time
Your child can receive Free Kinder at only one service. We will ask you to sign a form naming the service you choose.
How your fees are worked out
Child Care Subsidy is applied first, then the Free Kinder offset reduces what remains.
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Step 1
Your daily fee
The fee for the days your child attends, including kinder and care hours.
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Step 2
Less Child Care Subsidy
If you are eligible, CCS is taken off first.
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Step 3
Less Free Kinder offset
The yearly offset is spread across your statements.
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Result
What you pay
The remaining amount after both are applied.
Find out more about Child Care Subsidy on our CCS page.
Funded kinder hours
The number of funded hours depends on your child's age.
| Program | Funded hours per week |
|---|---|
| Three-Year-Old Kinder | Between 5 and 15 hours, increasing to 15 hours by 2029 |
| Four-Year-Old Kinder | 15 hours |
| Pre-Prep | Gradually increasing from 15 to 30 hours |
Care beyond the funded hours is charged at your usual fee. Offset amounts are set by the Victorian Government each year; see vic.gov.au/free-kinder for current figures.