Give your child the best start
Victoria is expanding Three-and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten. This means children will get more time to learn through play. These programs are designed and led by teachers and educators.
Starting a quality kinder program earlier has positive effects on child development. Kinder is a safe place for children to build skills, become more independent, and make friends.
Kinder is important for children. Research has shown that early education helps set children up for a bright future. In a kinder program they learn skills that they will take with them throughout their life.
Kindergarten programs will often have many children from different cultures and backgrounds.
At kinder your child will learn to build their own sense of identity and how their own culture relates to the diversity in the world around them.
Increasing hours of play for 4-year-olds
Increasing the hours of play-based learning in the year before school gives children even greater access to the many benefits of early childhood education.
Pre-Prep will be available first for children who will benefit from it the most.
More hours of learning through play each week can increase children’s early literacy and numeracy, and self-regulation skills.
Teachers and educators will be able to provide deeper and more deliberate play experiences.
The evidence behind 2 years and more hours at kinder
Research tells us that early brain development is very important for children’s learning, development, health and wellbeing.
The evidence behind 2 years and more time in kindergarten
Why kinder programs are important
Research shows that play-based learning is a powerful way to support children’s development. These benefits last into the school years and beyond.
The evidence also shows that two years are better than one when it comes to early learning.
A quality kindergarten program will have more of an impact for children who start at age three than those who start at four.
Learning programs led by teachers are even more important for children who are in vulnerable circumstances.
What your child will experience at a kinder program
Young children learn about the world through play. It gives children the opportunity to use their imagination and practise important skills. It also helps their social and emotional development, and wellbeing.
In a kindergarten program, children use play to build their language skills and learn about numbers and patterns. They also learn how to get along with others, share, listen, and manage their emotions. Teachers and educators help children become curious, creative and confident about learning.
Kindergarten programs are designed to meet the needs of their local families. All kindergarten programs work with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. This makes sure the programs are appropriate for children's ages, needs and interests.
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