Child Safety is our #1 priority at the Y.
What is Free Kinder?
In 2026, the Y are participating in the Victorian Government's Free Kinder program. The program provides up to 15 free hours of three and four-year-old kindergarten.
As a result, families can expect to save up to $2,101 over the 2026 calendar year for each child enrolled in our funded kindergarten programs.
Families who attend a sessional kindergarten program will not have to pay any fees for sessional kindergarten in 2026.
Free Kinder FAQs
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Who is eligible for Free Kinder?
All families with a child enrolled in a funded kindergarten program are eligible for the Free Kinder program. This includes families who attend either our integrated kindergarten (through long day care), sessional kindergarten programs, or Pre-Prep. -
How does Free Kinder work?
The Victorian Government provides Free Kinder funding directly to service providers (like the Y), who will then pass the funding on to families as a reduction in your fees. This means you don't have to claim anything or be out-of-pocket. -
Is Free Kinder available at Y Victoria?
Yes, Free Kinder is available at all Victorian early learning centres who opt in, which includes ours! We offer free kindergarten for our integrated kindergarten, sessional kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs. -
How do I get Free Kinder with Y Victoria?
If your child is three or four years old and attends kindergarten at one of our early learning centres, you'll be eligible for Free Kinder funding.
Weekly credits of $45.67 will be applied to your account consistently across the year, commencing 26 January and ending 11 December 2026.
Please note that the credit may be applied slightly different if you have more than one eligible child or you are eligible for a pro-rata amount. If you believe you are eligible to receive the 2026 Kinder Funding and a credit has not been applied to your statement, please contact your Centre Manager.
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What if my child attends more than one kinder service?
Families can only receive Free Kinder funding for one service at any one time. If a child attends multiple services that offer a Victorian Government funded free kindergarten program, families must choose the service they wish to claim funding for.
Families can receive funding for one year in a three-year-old kindergarten program and one year in a four-year-old kindergarten program. -
What if I have more than one child enrolled?
Free Kinder is available for each child you have enrolled in a kindergarten program.
Find a funded kindergarten near you
All of our early learning centres are safe, supportive spaces dedicated to providing high quality kindergarten programs. Find a free kindergarten program at one of our centres in Victoria today.
Got a question about Free Kinder?
If you’d like to know more about Free Kinder or kindergarten enrolments, talk to our friendly Customer Care team. You can also find further details about Free Kinder on the Victorian Government website.