More than 2750 early childhood services across the state are offering the Free Kinder program for Victoria’s three-and four-year-olds this year, including at early childhood centres across Hume and Whittlesea.
As part of the state government’s Best Start, Best Life reform, up to 140,000 children and families will benefit from the Free Kinder program.
Under the $270 million initiative, children enrolled in Three-Year-Old Kindergarten will receive between 5 and 15 hours of funded learning each week, and those in Four-Year-Old Kindergarten will receive 15 hours per week, saving families up to $2500 in fees per child each year and giving more than 28,000 Victorians greater flexibility to return to work if they choose.
Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Minister Ingrid Stitt said the program will allow for more choice and flexibility for young families.
“With this reform, we’re making sure every child gets the early education they need to thrive,” she said.
“Free Kinder doesn’t just give our littlest Victorians the best start in life, it also gives parents, particularly mothers, the freedom to go back to work if and when they choose.”
In the coming weeks, all children enrolled in funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten will receive a free Kinder Kit full of fun and educational toys, books and resources, helping them to grow and thrive through creativity and play.
