Standalone kindergarten services only operate during kindergarten program hours. They set their own days and times and are often closed during school holidays. These services are sometimes called sessional kindergartens.
Early Learning Centres then offer kindergarten programs as well as long day care programs, meaning you can access additional hours of care. These extra hours may include meals and a range of learning and play activities for your child but fees apply.
An Early Learning centre may be a good option for your family if you:
Please note that a daily rate is charged for this additional care in long day care programs. If your child attends kindergarten in one of these programs, you might be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). You can contact your preferred kindergarten for more information on fees or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/childcare for further information on CCS eligibility.
All Three-Year-Old and Pre-Prep Kindergarten programs are free in Victoria. Families do not need to have a Health Care Card or Pension Card to be eligible to access.