This guide explains the state scheme. Funded-programme approval, Free Kinder participation and 2027 details for individual Expeditions centres still need confirmation.
What is Free Kinder?
Free Kinder is Victoria's fee-support initiative for eligible children enrolled in funded Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten at participating services. Families do not need Australian citizenship, a concession card or eligibility for Child Care Subsidy to access it. Free Kinder can be received at only one service at a time. Victorian Government: Free Kinder
When can my child start Kinder?
Children generally need to turn 3 by 30 April for Three-Year-Old Kinder, or 4 by 30 April for Four-Year-Old Kinder, in the year they attend. Families with children born from January to April can choose between two starting years. Use the official starting-age calculator and discuss your child's learning journey with the service. Check starting age and enrolment steps · Starting-year choices
How many hours are funded?
Three-Year-Old Kinder currently offers between 5 and 15 hours a week. Four-Year-Old Kinder generally offers 15 hours, with more hours rolling out in stages and available earlier to eligible priority groups. Do not assume a 30-hour programme is available at every centre in 2027. Ask the centre to confirm the hours available to your child. Funded hours · Current more-hours roll-out schedule
Is the whole day free in long day care?
No. At participating long day care services, Free Kinder is an annual fee offset that reduces your fees. Where eligible, Child Care Subsidy is applied first, followed by the Free Kinder offset. The remaining amount is paid by the family. Ask for a 2027 fee estimate rather than relying on a previous year's funding rate. Official 2027 enrolment information
What does the Kinder Tick mean?
The Kinder Tick identifies a Victorian Government-approved, funded Kinder programme led by a qualified teacher. It is not a quality rating and does not itself confirm that a service participates in Free Kinder. Learn about the Kinder Tick
Questions to ask your centre
- Is the Kinder programme funded and approved for 2027?
- Does the service participate in Free Kinder?
- Which programme, days and hours can my child access?
- How will the fee offset appear on my statement, and what fees remain?
Find an approved Kinder programme
Explore the standard CCS estimate
Our standard CCS calculator does not calculate state Free Kindy or Free Kinder offsets. Ask your centre for a written fee estimate that includes all applicable support.