Four-year-old kindergarten programs have expanded across regional Victoria, with 12 additional local government areas now offering increased hours of early childhood education.
The Victorian Government confirmed the latest rollout, with children in the newly included areas set to receive between 16 and 30 hours of play-based learning each week. The expansion follows the initial introduction of the program in six local government areas last year.
More than 130 funded kindergarten services are now delivering the extended program, with over 3,000 children expected to benefit. Children will continue attending their existing kindergarten services, with the additional hours integrated into current settings.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the changes are designed to improve access while easing cost pressures on families.
“This is four-year-old kinder made better – more hours, less fees and the same great educators families already trust.”
Kinder hours expand across 12 regional Victorian LGAs, giving families access to up to 30 hours of play-based learning each week. More than 3,000 children are set to benefit, with savings of up to $2,700 per child as the program rolls out further in 2026
Under the program, families are expected to save up to $2,700 per child in kindergarten fees. The government said these savings would remain within household budgets.
The expansion includes the following regional areas: Benalla Rural City, Buloke Shire, Corangamite Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Horsham Rural City, Loddon Shire, Mansfield Shire, Mitchell Shire, Pyrenees Shire, Strathbogie Shire, Wangaratta Rural City and Wodonga Rural City.
The initiative builds on last year’s rollout in Ararat, Gannawarra, Hindmarsh, Murrindindi, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack, where more than 500 children are already receiving increased kindergarten hours through Pre-Prep programs.
The expanded access also extends beyond geographic areas. Children from priority cohorts across Victoria are now eligible for additional hours, including Aboriginal children, those from refugee backgrounds and children who have had contact with Child Protection services.
Blandthorn said the additional learning time supports long-term outcomes for children while providing immediate financial relief to families.
“Every hour in Kinder is an investment in a child’s future – and every dollar families save on fees is money back in the family budget.”
Further information about the program is available through the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder initiative.
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