The Victorian Government funds up to 15 hours per week of Kindergarten for 4-year-old children, and between 5 and 15 hours for 3-year-olds. This is one of the most significant investments in early childhood education in Victoria's history, and it means that quality Kinder is accessible to every family, regardless of income.
What is funded Kinder?
Funded Kinder is a government-subsidised program delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher. For 4-year-olds, families are entitled to 15 hours per week at no cost. For 3-year-olds, between 5 and 15 hours per week are currently funded, with plans to reach 15 hours by 2029.
How it works at Jenny's ELC
At Jenny's ELC, funded Kinder is delivered within our integrated long day care program. This means your child receives their full Kinder entitlement — taught by a qualified early childhood teacher — without needing to attend a separate standalone Kinder. The benefits are significant:
- No separate drop-off or pick-up for Kinder
- Your child stays with their existing friends and educators
- The Kinder program is woven into a full day of rich learning and play
- Families can combine funded Kinder hours with CCS for maximum savings
To access funded Kinder at Jenny's ELC, your child must be enrolled in our Kinder program and meet the age eligibility requirements. Speak to your centre director to confirm your child's eligibility and how the funding will be applied to your fees.