Kindergarten in Victoria
In Victoria (VIC), kindergarten is a two-year educational program for children before they start primary education. Kindergarten typically caters for children aged 3 to 5 years, and focuses on play-based learning that supports their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Attending kindergarten helps children build foundational skills such as communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and confidence. These skills are essential for a successful transition into formal schooling, especially as they prepare for Prep (also known as Foundation), which is the first year of primary school in Victoria.
By attending kindergarten, children become familiar with structured routines, group settings, and early literacy and numeracy concepts, making the move into Prep smoother and more positive. It also provides a chance for educators and families to identify and support any learning or developmental needs early on.
Access Free Government Funded Kinder
At Aspire, our early learning programs are designed to give children the best start in life. Our 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are eligible for the Victorian Government’s kindergarten funding.
This funding provides families up to 15 hours of free kindergarten a week or 600 hours per year, in addition to the Australian Government Childcare Subsidy (CCS).
As of 2025 kinder funding is valued at $2,101 per year. The funding offsets the fees for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children that are part of the centre’s long day care kindergarten program.
With kinder funding available to children, this supports vital learning and development during the early years, building a strong foundation for a successful transition to school and beyond.
Families do not need to be eligible for CCS)to receive up to 15 hours of free kinder per week.
Kinder Funding - Vic
Kindergarten Age in Victoria
In Victoria, Children typically begin 3 year old kinder at age 3 and 4 year old kindergarten at age 4. Children must turn 3 years old by April 30th to enrol in the three-year-old kindergarten program that year, and 4 years old by April 30th to enrol in the four-year-old kindergarten program that year.
Research has shown that 2 years of kindergarten helps children prepare for school, with better literacy, emotional, cognitive and social skills. At Aspire Early Education, we offer both 3-year and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, to enhance your child’s full potential and give them the best possible start in life.
Aspire’s Kindergarten Programs
3-Year-Old Early Learning Program:
Nurturing Curiosity and Confidence
At Aspire Early Education, our 3-year-old Kindergarten is thoughtfully designed to support your child's early development in a nurturing and engaging environment. Our program focuses on fostering:
- Social and Emotional Well-being: We prioritise building secure attachments between educators and children, creating a safe space where your child feels seen, valued, and confident to explore.
- Communication and Language Skills: Through interactive storytime sessions, songs, and conversations, we enhance early literacy and encourage expressive language development.
- Independence and Self-Help Skills: Our play-based approach allows children to develop autonomy, from managing personal belongings to making choices during activities.
- Cognitive and Physical Development: Engaging in activities that promote problem-solving, fine and gross motor skills, and creative expression lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our educators collaborate closely with families to ensure a consistent and supportive experience, setting the stage for a seamless transition into 4-year-old kindergarten.
4-Year-Old School Readiness Program
Building Foundations for School and Life
The 4-year-old school readiness Kindergarten program at Aspire Early Education is dedicated to preparing your child for the exciting journey into formal schooling. Our holistic curriculum emphasises:
- School Readiness: We introduce structured routines and collaborative projects that mirror school environments, helping children adapt to the expectations of primary education.
- Advanced Literacy and Numeracy: Through engaging activities, children develop foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, fostering a love for learning.
- Emotional Regulation and Social Skills: Our program supports children in understanding and managing emotions, developing empathy, and building meaningful relationships with peers.
- Critical Thinking and Creativity: By encouraging exploration and inquiry, we nurture problem-solving abilities and imaginative thinking.
We also partner with local schools to align our curriculum with their programs, ensuring that our children transition confidently and successfully into the next phase of their educational journey.
At Aspire Early Education, our commitment is to provide a comprehensive early learning experience that supports every aspect of your child's growth. We invite you to visit our centre and discover how our programs can benefit your child's development.
Learning Outcomes & Brain Development
90% of a child’s brain develops before age 5 — Through play-based learning, children build essential life skills and strengthen brain pathways across key areas such as:
Early literacy & numeracy
Sustainability & exploration
Numeracy & STEM skills
Cognitive development
Music & movement
Art & imagination
Dramatic play & storytelling
Social-emotional skills
The Aspire Difference
Long Daycare Setting
At Aspire, we understand that every family’s schedule is different — that’s why we offer the flexibility of extended long daycare kindergarten sessions across 9, 10, 11, and 12-hour days. This allows your child to fully participate in both the Victorian Government Program and Aspire’s very own Enhanced Learning Program, all within the convenience of a long day care setting.
Qualified Teachers
At Aspire, your child is guided by passionate, qualified early childhood teachers who are experts in delivering high-quality kindergarten education. Our educators create engaging, age-appropriate experiences that align with each child’s learning style and developmental stage. With a deep understanding of early childhood development, our team nurtures confidence, independence, and a love of learning in every child — helping them thrive now and into the school years ahead.
Stimulating Environment
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to spark imagination, exploration, and discovery. Children in our 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten and long daycare programs enjoy rich learning environments filled with natural materials, literacy-rich zones, creative spaces, and outdoor play areas. Every corner of our centres encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and supports social connections — all in a space where children feel safe, valued, and inspired.
Evidence Based Learning
Aspire’s kindergarten programs are grounded in leading research and best-practice educational approaches. We use evidence-based teaching strategies that support the development of early literacy, numeracy, communication, and emotional regulation. Our educators track each child’s learning journey, using data and observations to adapt experiences and ensure every child is supported to reach their full potential.
Personalised Approach
No two children are the same — and at Aspire, we celebrate that. Our educators build strong, trusting relationships with each child, tailoring our approach to meet their unique interests, learning style, and pace. Whether your child is a confident explorer or a quiet observer, we support their individual journey with warmth, care, and encouragement. This personalised attention lays the foundation for a strong sense of self and school readiness.
Connections with Primary Schools
Transitioning to school is a big milestone, and Aspire ensures your child is ready — emotionally, socially, and academically. We build connections with local primary schools and align our 4-year-old kindergarten curriculum with school expectations. By mirroring routines and introducing foundational skills, we make the move to school feel natural and exciting. Aspire children begin school confident, capable, and ready to thrive. Add any additional offerings.
VIC Kindergarten Curriculum & ELYF
At Aspire, our kindergarten programs are designed by our teaching teams and in collaboration with local schools to ensure a smooth transition from classroom to classroom. This approach ensures children develop the much needed social and emotional skills to transition into primary school.
Our kindergaten programs are also guided by the Australian Government’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This nationally approved curriculum supports children from birth to five years by focusing on three key learning outcomes: Belonging, Being, and Becoming. We embed the EYLF into every part of the day — from intentional teaching moments to spontaneous play. Children develop foundational skills in communication, emotional wellbeing, problem-solving, literacy, and numeracy, all through meaningful experiences led by trusted educators. With the EYLF as our guide, we ensure every child in our 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten, and long daycare kindergarten is supported to thrive now and into the future.
Kindergarten – Victoria FAQ's
What age does my child start kindergarten in Victoria?
Children typically begin 3 year old kinder at age 3 and 4 year old kindergarten at age 4.
What is the cut-off date for 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten in Victoria?
Children must turn 3 years old by April 30th to enrol in the three-year-old kindergarten program that year, and 4 years old by April 30th to enrol in the four-year-old kindergarten program that year.
Should I delay kindergarten if my child has a birthday close to the cut-off?
Delaying kindergarten for a child with a birthday close to the cut-off date is a common consideration for parents, and the decision depends on individual circumstances. While some children benefit from being older and more mature, others thrive when starting with their age group.
It may be important to consider some of these factors before making your decision:
- Child’s development and social skills
- Emotional maturity
- Level of confidence and independence
- Academic and extra-curricular performance
Consulting with educators and childcare professionals can provide valuable insights specific to your child's needs.
When does the kindergarten year start in Victoria?
Many long day care centres in Victoria, which offer early childhood education programs, operate year-round, providing care for 52 weeks of the year.
Public kindergartens follow the same term dates as Victorian public schools, so the kindergarten year would typically start in late January or early February.
At Aspire Early Education, we provide care all-year-round so you can enrol in our kindergarten program at any time you wish.
How many years does my child go to kindergarten in Victoria?
Most children attend two years — starting with 3 year old kinder, followed by 4 year old kindergarten.
Aspire offers a seamless two-year kindergarten program to support your child’s development and school readiness.
How many days/hours should my child attend kindergarten in Victoria?
We offer flexible attendance options through our long daycare model. Many families choose between 2 to 5 days a week, depending on their needs.
Our Aspire centres operate for a minimum of 8 hours per day and offer 9, 10, 11, and 12-hour day sessions to provide flexibility for families. Our team is here to help you choose the right schedule for your child.
Is kindergarten compulsory in Victoria?
While kindergarten is not compulsory, attending a quality early learning program is highly recommended. It helps children build essential social, emotional, and academic skills for a confident start to school.
What is the difference between 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten?
Our 3-year-old kindergarten program is thoughtfully designed to support your child’s early development in a nurturing and engaging environment. The program focuses on fostering social and emotional well-being, communication and language skills, independence and self-help skills, as well as cognitive and physical development.
Our 4-year-old school readiness program at Aspire Early Education is dedicated to preparing your child for the exciting journey into formal schooling. This holistic curriculum emphasises school readiness, advanced literacy and numeracy, emotional regulation and social skills, along with critical thinking and creativity.
Does my child need to be immunised to attend kindergarten in VIC?
Victoria has a "No Jab, No Play" policy, which means that most childcare and kindergarten services require children to be fully vaccinated. Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten cannot enrol a child unless the parent provides documentation showing the child is fully vaccinated or has a medical reason not to be vaccinated.
What is the cost of kindergarten in Victoria?
Kindergarten fees vary based on the number of days your child attends care, your centre’s daily fees, and your eligibility for Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Aspire is a CCS-approved provider, which means eligible families can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Check out our Aspire CCS Calculator, which provides an estimate of your childcare subsidy and calculates your out-of-pocket costs.
Can I claim Child Care Subsidy (CCS) on Aspire’s kindergarten programs?
Yes! Aspire is a registered long daycare kindergarten provider, which means eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to help cover the cost of our kindergarten programs.
Can my child with additional needs attend kindergarten?
Absolutely. Aspire welcomes children of all abilities. We work closely with families and specialists to provide inclusive support and tailored learning experiences for children with additional needs.
Do you offer tours or orientation before enrolment?
Yes! We offer personalised tours and orientation sessions to help your child and family feel comfortable and confident before starting. It’s a great way to meet our team, see our learning environments, and ask questions.
How do I enrol my child in kindergarten at Aspire?
Enrolling is simple — you can book a tour, contact your local Aspire centre, or visit us in person. Our team will guide you through the enrolment process and answer any questions about kindergarten age, funding, or CCS.
Otherwise you can call the friendly enrolments team on 1800 978 429.
Do you offer meals and snacks during the day?
At Aspire, we offer breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea and cater these meals to each age group. All food is provided by the centre and prepared fresh each day on the premises by our qualified chef who prepares the children’s meals according to the nutritional needs of children as per the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.
Our approach caters to picky eaters, food preferences, and cultural diversity, ensuring every child’s needs are met.
What should my child bring to kindergarten each day?
We recommend bringing a labelled bag with spare clothes, water bottle, and any comfort items your child may need. We provide nutritious meals, nappies (if needed), and all educational resources.
Do you offer 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten in the same centre?
Yes, we offer both 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs at the same centre. This means your child can enjoy a familiar environment and smooth transition from one year to the next, supported by our caring educators every step of the way.
How do you keep families informed of their child's learning and development?
Aspire uses regular updates, learning journals, and our parent communication app Kinderm8 (Storypark) to keep families engaged in their child’s progress. Our educators provide insights into learning, development, wellbeing, and daily activities.
How do you support a smooth transition into kindergarten?
At Aspire, we know that starting kindergarten is a big step — for both children and families. That’s why we create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and supported from day one. Through flexible orientation sessions and secure attachments with our educators, children develop the confidence they need to explore, engage, and grow.
Our play-based programs focus on building independence, emotional regulation, and strong communication skills. We support early literacy through storytime, songs, and meaningful conversations, encouraging children to express themselves, ask questions, and develop a love for language. Our classrooms are also vibrant social spaces, where children make friendships, learn to collaborate, and feel a strong sense of belonging.
To support real school readiness, we actively partner with local schools to understand their expectations, routines, and transition programs. This allows us to tailor our 3 year old kinder and 4 year old kindergarten experiences to help children feel confident and capable when it’s time for the next big step. Aspire children leave with the tools they need — academically, socially, and emotionally — to thrive in the big world ahead.
What are your kindergarten opening hours?
As a long daycare kindergarten, Aspire offers extended hours to support busy families — typically from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Exact hours may vary by centre.
Do you follow a set curriculum?
Yes, Aspire follows the National Early Years Learning Framework, delivering a high-quality curriculum that supports development across literacy, numeracy, STEM, creativity, and social-emotional learning.
