Kindergarten facts
Kindergarten is a one to two-year program for children before they start primary school.
Are kindergarten and preschool the same?
Yes.
They have the same educational 3 and 4-year-old programs.
What is the difference between integrated kindergarten, sessional kindergarten and child care?
Integrated 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten is a government funded kindergarten program operating within a child care service. Services charge a daily fee and may operate during school holidays. Programs are delivered by a bachelor qualified Educator
Sessional 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten is a government funded kindergarten program operating within the Victorian school term. Services close during school holidays, and it is free. Programs are delivered by a bachelor qualified Educator
Child care is a daily program offered to children aged between 6 months to 5 years within a child care service. Services operate all day , charge a daily fee and may be open all year. Programs are delivered by qualified early childhood educators.
How do I choose a kindergarten?
Every family is different. The kindergarten program you choose should be a good fit for your child and family. It’s a good idea to start looking for a kindergarten program early. Look for the Kinder Tick when choosing a kindergarten service.
The Kinder Tick helps Victorian families find a funded kindergarten program for their children.
How do I decide if my child is ready for kindergarten?
Talk to your Maternal and Child Health nurse or a qualified early years educator to help you decide. Kindergarten open days also provide a great opportunity to talk things through with an experienced professional.
Find out about tips for when to start 3 and 4 year old kindergarten.
Can my child attend sessional kindergarten if they are not 3 until later in term 1?
No
Kindergarten services are required to meet the correct ratio of staff to children, the ratio is based on children’s age.
If your child turns three by 30 April in the year of registration, and you would like them to start sessional kindergarten, you can still enrol your child. Services will hold your child's place until they are old enough to attend.
If you have any further questions, contact your local kindergarten service. Services can email 3yo.kindergarten@education.vic.gov.au for more information.
Can my child attend kindergarten if they are not toilet trained?
Yes
Kindergarten is for all children, including those who are not yet toilet trained.
Do I need to provide proof of birth of my Child to register for Kindergarten?
Yes
To register for Kindergarten using the Darebin Kindergarten Registration System you will need to provide proof of birth. This can be a passport, birth certificate, or immunisation certificate.
Do I need to provide an immunisation certificate to register for kindergarten?
No
You do not need to provide a copy of an immunisation certificate when registering on the Darebin Kindergarten Registration System.
Does my child need to be vaccinated to attend 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten?
Yes
An Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register is the only type of immunisation record accepted by Education and Care services for the purposes of confirming enrolment and must be provided within the two months prior to the child starting at the service.
Find out about our immunisation service or you can contact the Darebin Immunisation Team by email immunise@darebin.vic.gov.au or call 03 8470 8562.
You can find out more about the No Jab No Play on the Better Health Channel.
What does it cost to attend kindergarten?
Sessional Kindergarten is currently available for free across Victoria at participating services.
A kindergarten program within a child care setting is not free, you may be eligible for a $2,000 kindergarten subsidy which can be used to offset the kindergarten program component of your out-of-pocket fees.
- 3 year olds get between 5 and up to 15 hours per week of a kindergarten program.
- 4 year olds get a 15 hour per week (600 hours a year) program.
More information regarding fee schedules is available from individual kindergartens.
What does it cost to register on the Darebin Kindergarten and Child Care Registration System?
There is no cost for families to register for either 3-year-old or 4-year-old kindergarten for 2025
Does my concession card entitle me to any kindergarten benefits?
Yes
More information regarding free kindergarten is available from individual kindergartens or Give your child the best start in life website.
Which services does the Darebin Registration System cover?
For a detailed list of all services find out about kindergartens in Darebin.
When can I put my child’s name on the waiting list for 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten?
Kindergarten registrations open 1 March the year before your child will be attending.
Find out more about starting ages for kindergarten.
Completion of the registration form does not guarantee a placement
Who gets priority on the waiting list?
Kindergarten places are prioritised through the Department of Education eligibility criteria.
These Include:
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children
- Children at risk of abuse or neglect, including children in out-of-home care
- Asylum seeker and refugee children
- Children eligible for the kindergarten fee subsidy
- Children with additional needs: those who need extra assistance in order to fully participate in the kindergarten program, require a combination of services which are individually planned, or have an identified specific disability or developmental delay.
- Children who are approved for a second funded year of kindergarten.
For more information, please see Kindergarten priority of access criteria.
Darebin gives subsequent priority to the following:
- Families who are Darebin residents
- Had a child or sibling who attended the same kindergarten in the past 2 years
- First preference kindergarten is closest to the child's address
- Internal childcare children (who request the kindergarten program within their current childcare service)
When will I be offered a place?
Round one offers are made to families based on their first selected kindergarten, in early August for 4-year-old kindergarten and mid-August for 3-year-old kindergarten.
How will I be contacted for an offer?
You will be contacted via email and the online portal. The online portal allows you view and update your registration details at any time. It is your responsibility to ensure your details are always correct through checking the online registration portal
If I accept a place, can I stay on the waiting list for my other selected services?
No
If I don’t accept a place, do I lose my position on the waiting list?
No
What happens if I’m not offered a place?
There are enough places for 4 year-old kindergarten across Darebin in a range of diverse settings, including sessional kindergarten and child care services.
Kindergarten offers depend on a range of factors including:
- Location: kindergartens in high-demand areas have more applicants than they can accept.
- Options: limiting your options to only one Kindergarten
- Legislated priority of access criteria requirements
First round unsuccessful registrations will be included in ongoing offers as places become available. This process continues until all vacancies are filled.
Parents, guardians and carers will be notified via email when they need to respond to an offer through the portal. Find out more about the kindergarten allocation and offer process.