What is Pre-Prep?
At the Y, we understand how important early learning is for children’s development, providing essential benefits for today and for the future.
As part of The Victorian Government’s ‘Best Start, Best Life’ reform, from 2025, four year old kindergarten will gradually transition to Pre-Prep with programs across Victoria increasing from 15 to 30 hours each week.
Led by qualified teachers, Pre-Prep will give four year old children greater opportunities to socialise and learn through play. Pre-Prep will be delivered through standalone (sessional) kindergartens and long day care centres.
When is Pre-Prep commencing?
Pre-Prep is rolling out across the state in stages.
From 2026, early access to Pre-Prep is offered to children:
- who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- are from a refugee or asylum seeker background
- who have had contact with Child Protection services
Families who are eligible can choose whether they wish to access the additional hours when completing their kindergarten registration with us at the Y.
By 2036, all children across Victoria will have access to 1,800 hours of funded kindergarten before school, including 600 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and 1,200 hours of Pre-Prep.
The vital role of early education
Through investing in high quality early learning, we’re setting children up with a strong foundation for their future education and development.
During the first five years of life, a child’s brain undergoes rapid change, with approximately 90% of its growth occurring in this time.
This is a fundamental time for learning and acquiring essential skills. These include problem solving, critical thinking, communication, emotional regulation and relationship building.
The development of these abilities can have a long-lasting influence on children’s health, wellbeing, behaviour and future educational outcomes.
Because of these far-reaching benefits for children and society, this important Victorian Government reform prioritises access to quality early education and care.
Best Start, Best Life: Reforming early education
The Victorian Government’s “Best Start, Best Life” reform was launched in June 2022 and includes three major initiatives:
Pre-Prep FAQs
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Is Pre-Prep free?
Pre-Prep, like Four-Year-Old Kinder, will be free for children at one of our kindergarten services across Victoria.
Free Kinder will be available in Pre-Prep, similar to Four-Year-Old Kindergarten. There will be no charge for children who attend our standalone (sessional) kindergartens and families who enrol their children at our long day care centres will receive a fee offset.
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How is Pre-Prep different from current four year old kinder?
The educational program provided by the Early Childhood teacher will continue as it has been delivered previously. The only difference in Pre-Prep is the number of hours that are provided. -
Can I increase my child’s hours over a period of time?
Yes, you can. You may wish to attend fewer days or shorter hours when your child first attends kindergarten, especially if they haven’t been in a care environment before. Speak with your child’s teacher during orientation to determine the best schedule for your child. -
How will my child cope with such a long day?
For children attending a 4-day program, it may seem like a long time to be in kindergarten.
Our experience is that children will respond well and quickly if you have a consistent routine established. They may be tired at the end of the day or the end of the week when they first start attending, but they will soon adapt with the right support.
Our educators will also adapt their program to provide your child with the best educational experience, including opportunities to self-regulate if they need some quiet time, or encourage them to undertake restful or mindfulness activities.
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What support is there for children with special needs?
Our educators work closely with parents and children to identify any additional supports that may be required. Where your child has known needs prior to attending, please ensure this is included on your enrolment information, so the teacher can take steps as early as possible to provide the right level of support. -
What support is there for children with language differences?
Some children speak more than one language in the home, and English may not be their first language. Our educators are skilled at working with both the family and individual children to ensure they feel safe and supported while at kindergarten. If you feel your child may need additional support when first starting to help feel settled, please let the educators know.