Victoria – “Kinder: Best Start, Best Life”
The Victorian government’s funded kindergarten program is called “Kinder: Best Start, Best Life.” Under this initiative, your child could be eligible for up to 15 hours per week of Kinder, at low or no cost.
Australian and international evidence shows that quality play-based learning helps lay the foundation for success throughout a child’s education and life. Two years of quality early childhood education is shown to have more impact than one year and can lift children’s outcomes across all learning domains.
A United Kingdom study showed children who attended at least two years of Kindergarten had:
- better development in language, pre-reading, early number concepts, independence and concentration when starting school
- higher exam scores, and better grades in English and maths
- better social behaviours and self-regulation.
The first five years of life are a period of rapid brain development – by the time a child turns 5, around 90 per cent of their brain development has occurred. Children start learning how to manage their emotions and self-regulation skills at kindergarten. They start to build resilience and learn how to focus their attention. Two years of early childhood education has a stronger positive effect on children experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage or those who need extra support, giving them more time to maximise their full potential.
The Victorian Government is currently supporting funded kindergarten programs delivered by an early childhood teacher for 15 hours per week (or 600 hours per year). This subsidy is valued at $2050 annually.
This means the government will subsidise the out-of-pocket cost of kindergarten, reducing your out-of-pocket daily fees after your Childcare Subsidy (CCS) is applied—a saving of $39 per week.
The Victorian Government is continuing its investment into early education through the Best Start Best Life Reform – read here for more information.
Frequently asked questions
To receive the Best Start, Best Life Kinder subsidy, your child needs to turn 4 years on or before 30th April 2024 and enrolled in a funded kindergarten program in 2024. For 3 year old kindergarten, to be eligible your child must be 3 on or before 30th April 2024 and enrolled in a funded kindergarten program in 2024. Your child must attend a minimum of 2 days of kinder per week, across which can be applied over 52 weeks of the year.
The 7.5 hours free kinder is delivered during our long day care hours at our centres. The VIC Government is subsidising 7.5 hours of your long day care kinder day, therefore there will be a reduced out of pocket cost on these days.
The benefit of attending a G8 Education long day care centre is our enhanced learning program combines play-based long daycare programming plus the Government-approved Best Start, Best Life Kindergarten program. Our program runs 5 days a week for 52 weeks of the year. During the period where the government funded kindergarten does not apply, your CCS will reduce your out of pocket expense.
The government subsidised kindergarten hours apply to 15 hours a week which can be applied over 52 weeks.
The Victorian Government will subsidise 15 hours per week over, 600 hours per year which can be applied over 52 weeks (minimum 2 days per week). As a long day care provider, we offer a 5 day per week program and your child can attend more than 2 days per week. If you are eligible for the Childcare Subsidy (CCS), the CCS will apply on these additional days and reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Attending 2 days or more supports your child’s learning, development and wellbeing to experience a successful school transition as a more confident and engaged learner.
Attending kindergarten at G8 Education centres means your child will benefit from our enhanced learning program that combines play-based long daycare with the VIC Government funded kindergarten.
Busy families will be reassured with year-round care that develops holistic school readiness. More than numeracy and literacy, our program fosters emotional and social development and resilience and self-regulation for healthy bodies and minds.
A qualified Early Childhood Teacher delivers the program in line with the National Quality Framework together with qualified educators.
We offer an enhanced learning program combining G8 Education’s play-based long day care program plus the VIC Government’s “Best Start, Best Life” funded kindergarten program. Busy families get the support of a year round program with extended hours and nutritious meals provided. Children experience continuity and consistency of program delivery teachers and children by attending one centre to meet all needs.
No, you can only access funding at one centre for 15 hours a week, which can be applied over 52 weeks.
This is an additional subsidy from the Victorian Government that will apply to a portion of your fees after the Childcare Subsidy is applied. The percentage of CCS your family is entitled to for non-funded kindergarten program hours will not change.
At G8 Education centres, we offer families year-round programming.
No before and after school care (or OSHC) is not part of the kindergarten program.
ACCS will continue to be applied to your fees. There is no change to this arrangement.
We have good news for families who are not eligible for CCS.
The VIC Government will subsidise the 15 hours per week of free kindergarten, which can be applied across 52 weeks. Outside of these subsidised hours, full fees will be applied.