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
Free Kinder eligibility – who is eligible?
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) or sessional kindergarten programs.
If your child is turning three or four-years-old by 30 April 2024 they are eligible for Free Kinder.
How does Free Kinder work?
The Victorian Government provides Free Kinder funding directly to service providers (like the Y), not directly to families. We then pass the funding to you as a reduction in your fees.
Is Free Kinder available at Y Victoria?
Yes. Free kindergarten is available at all Victorian early learning centres, including ours! We offer free kindergarten for both our integrated kindergarten and sessional kindergarten 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.
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 specify the service they wish to claim.
For example, if your child attends sessional kindergarten for some days and kindergarten within a long day care service on other days, you must nominate which service you wish to receive Free Kinder funding from.
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 in Victoria for each child you have enrolled in a kindergarten program. This means you could save up to $2500 per child each year.
Find a free kindergarten near you
Find a free kindergarten program at one of our 17 Early Learning Centres across Victoria. We're also located at Happy Days Macarthur Square in NSW.
All of our centres are safe and supportive spaces dedicated to providing high quality kindergarten programs.
