Enrolling your child in kindergarten is a major step in their early development and a big decision for families.
In Victoria, many parents wonder: Is kindergarten free?
Thanks to recent government initiatives, access to quality early learning has become easier and more affordable.
However, there are still a few important details to understand when planning for your child’s educational journey.
Below, we’ll explore what “free kindergarten” really means, how to access it, and introduce a local option for families in Diamond Creek: Story House Early Learning Diamond Creek, the only service of its kind in the area.
What’s the difference between kindergarten and childcare?
Kindergarten is a structured, play-based early learning program designed to help young children develop important social, emotional, and academic skills before they start primary school.
It’s delivered by qualified early childhood educators who create learning experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, resilience, and a love of learning.
You may be wondering if kindergarten is equivalent to childcare. While both support children’s development, childcare provides flexible care throughout the day, whereas kindergarten is a structured educational program focused on school readiness, delivered by qualified teachers during set hours and terms.
Research shows that children who attend kindergarten are more likely to perform well at school, make friends easily, and adjust better to new learning environments. It’s an essential step in setting a strong foundation for lifelong success.
In Victoria, kindergarten is offered as:
Three-year-old kindergarten: An introductory early learning program focusing on socialisation and foundational skills.
Four-year-old kindergarten: A more structured program preparing children for the transition to formal schooling.
Is kindergarten free in Victoria?
Free Kinder is part of the Best Start, Best Life reforms and offers free or subsidised kindergarten programs for three- and four-year-old children at participating services across Victoria.
This includes standalone (sessional) kindergartens, long day care centres, and some school-based programs.
Details about the Free Kinder program:
Three-year-old kindergarten: Families can access between 5 and 15 hours per week of free kindergarten. The exact number of free hours depends on the program offered by the service.
Four-year-old kindergarten: A full 15 hours per week of free kindergarten is provided.
Pre-prep (starting in select areas in 2025): Eligible children can access between 16 and 30 hours per week of free kindergarten.
In 2024, 97% of services chose to offer Free Kinder.
Are there any costs involved?
While the core funded program is free, families may still encounter additional costs such as:
Extended care: Hours beyond the funded program may incur fees.
Excursions and incursions: One-off activities like special excursions or incursions may have associated costs.
Optional services: Extra-curricular activities and optional programs offered by the kindergarten may not be covered.
It’s important to ask your chosen kindergarten about any potential additional costs when enrol.
How does free kindergarten work?
To access Free Kinder:
- Enrol at a participating service: Families must enrol their child at a kindergarten that offers the Free Kinder program.
- Meet age eligibility criteria:
- Three-year-old kindergarten: Your child must turn three by 30 April in the year they attend.
- Four-year-old kindergarten: Your child must turn four by 30 April in the year they attend.
- One funded place: Children can only access a funded kindergarten program through Free Kinder at one service at a time. Services will require families to complete a ‘one funded place’ form.
- Additional support: Families with concession cards, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children known to child protection may also be eligible for additional funding and support.
For more detailed information or to find participating services, you can visit the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder page.
Kindergarten options in Diamond Creek
For families in the Diamond Creek area, there are limited options when it comes to funded kindergarten services.
However, one standout option is Story House Early Learning Diamond Creek, the only dedicated early learning centre in the area that offers a funded kindergarten program as part of their long day care services.
Located conveniently within the heart of Diamond Creek, Story House provides a welcoming and nurturing environment where children can thrive. Their kindergarten program is delivered by qualified early childhood teachers and supports both three- and four-year-old learners.
Importantly, Story House Early Learning Diamond Creek participates in the Free Kinder program, ensuring eligible families can access the benefits of funded kindergarten while enjoying the flexibility of longer hours to suit busy working parents.
Why choose Story House Early Learning Diamond Creek?
Choosing Story House Early Learning Diamond Creek comes with several advantages:
- Long day care convenience: Access to early learning and care outside of traditional kindergarten hours.
- Funded Kindergarten Program: Delivered by qualified teachers and aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
- Community focus: Strong engagement with the local Diamond Creek community, fostering a sense of belonging.
- Modern facilities: Safe, well-equipped, and inspiring learning environments for children.
- Tailored learning: Individual learning plans that cater to each child’s unique strengths, interests, and needs.
With its emphasis on quality education and care, Story House offers families peace of mind knowing their child is receiving the best possible start to their learning journey.
The benefits of enrolling your child at Kinder
Beyond the financial relief provided by the Free Kinder initiative, there are many reasons why attending kindergarten is crucial for young children, including:
- Social development: Learning how to cooperate, share, and interact with peers.
- Emotional growth: Building resilience, confidence, and independence.
- Cognitive skills: Enhancing language, literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving abilities through play-based learning.
- School readiness: Preparing children with the skills they need to transition successfully into primary school.
- Physical development: Improving fine and gross motor skills through active play and structured activities.
Give your child the best start with Free Kinder in Diamond Creek
Kindergarten in Victoria is now more accessible and affordable thanks to the Free Kinder initiative.
For families in Diamond Creek, Story House Early Learning Diamond Creek offers an excellent local option for both three- and four-year-old-funded kindergarten programs within a supportive, nurturing environment.
Investing in your child’s early education sets them on the path to success, and with free kindergarten now available, there’s never been a better time to enrol.
