At What Age Do Children Start Kindergarten in Victoria?
Starting kindergarten is an educational milestone that should be embraced by parents and children alike.
What Age is Kindergarten in Victoria?
In this section, let’s explore kindergarten and how it is broken down across 2 years before primary school education.
Young children will typically start kindergarten at 3 years old, with two years of government-funded kindergarten before starting school. The Victorian government, under their ‘Best Start, Best Life’ program, funds up to 15 hours of kindergarten per week for 3 year-old & 4-year-olds. From 2025, 4-year-old kindergarten will be gradually phased out and replaced with pre-prep kindergarten, which covers 30 funded hours of weekly kindergarten.
What is a kindergarten program in Victoria?
Kindergarten, also known as kinder, is an early learning education program that takes place before primary schooling. Kindergarten will impart social, physical, cognitive and emotional skills via play-based learning. Children foster connections with their peers and the wider environment as they develop routines, learning more about themselves and others.
Is 4-year-old Kindergarten Compulsory in Victoria?
A common question is ‘Is 4-year-old kindergarten mandated in the state of Victoria?‘. The answer is no – it is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended. Moreover, the Victorian government encourages children to attend 2 years of kindergarten before starting school, with programs for both 3 year-old and 4-year-olds.
Let’s explore a few other questions we’ve sometimes been asked in relation to kindergarten:
When can my child start kindergarten?
Your child is eligible to start 3-year-old kindergarten if they turn 3 years old by April 30th of the year they will attend. Similarly, your child is eligible to start 4-year-old kindergarten if they turn 4 years old by April 30th of the year they will attend
Where can I get advice on the best time to start kindergarten?
There are various resources you can utilise to get high-quality advice on your child’s readiness to start kindergarten.
- Educators and learning providers can offer advice based on your child’s readiness and developmental stage. They will be highly experienced in helping families decide if their child is ready for 3 year-old or 4 year-old kindergarten.
- Victoria’s free Maternal and Child Health Service provides check-ups and developmental assessments. Nurses can objectively assess your child’s social, emotional and physical readiness for kindergarten.
- Browse online – official websites like vic.gov.au/kindergarten and StartingBlocks.gov.au can provide detailed guidance on when to start kindergarten and how funded kinder programs work.
Ultimately, by following recommended advice and tracking your child’s developing needs, you can find the best time for them to start kindergarten, as well as the best kindergarten for their needs. The best kindergartens will be:
- Exciting for children, offering a comprehensive incursion & excursion program that allows them to explore environments and the community around them.
- Clean & hygienic facilities.
- Fostering strong relationships with children & families – as an important part of your child’s life and well-being, it’s essential that the kinder program maintains a communicative connection with the children’s families.
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