Free Kinder at Anderson Road Child Care Centre

Nurturing Young Minds for Over 11 Years

What is Free Kinder ?

Free Kinder is a Victorian Government initiative designed to provide all eligible 3-year-old and 4-year-old children access to high-quality kindergarten programs at no cost. This program helps families by reducing the financial burden of early childhood education while ensuring children receive the best possible start in life through play-based learning.

At Anderson Road Child Care Centre, we are proud to offer Free Kinder as part of our sessional kindergarten program. Our programs align with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and are led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs).

Albion Kindergarten

Give your child a strong start with Free Kinder at Anderson Road Child Care Centre – a Victorian Government program offering high-quality, cost-free early education for eligible 3 and 4-year-olds.

Key Benefits of Free Kinder

No Cost to Families: Eligible families do not pay for approved kinder programs (doesn’t include $50 bond upon enrolment).
High-Quality Education: Programs are led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.
Social & Cognitive Development: Play-based learning enhances social skills, emotional intelligence, and school readiness.

Who is Eligible for Free Kinder?

Your child may be eligible for Free Kinder if they meet the following criteria:

3-Year-Old Kinder: Your child must turn 3 years old by 30th April of the year they start.
4-Year-Old Kinder: Your child must turn 4 years old by 30th April of the year they start.
One Service Rule: Free Kinder funding is available for one kindergarten service at a time.

Additional Eligibility Information:

Australian citizenship or permanent residency is not required.
Children with additional needs or who experience vulnerability are eligible.
You cannot claim Free Kinder at multiple centres simultaneously.

How Does Free Kinder Work at Anderson Road Child Care Centre?

We provide two options for families under the Free Kinder program:

Sessional Kinder (Free Kinder Program)

Our Free Kinder program is delivered through sessional kindergarten, providing a structured early education experience at no cost to families. We offer two flexible scheduling options:

Option 1: Three days of 5-hour sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday (15 hours per week – 9am-2pm).
Option 2: Two days of 7.5-hour sessions on Wednesday and Thursday (15 hours per week – 9am-4.30pm).

This program emphasises play-based learning and provides a supportive, structured environment that prepares children for primary school.

Integrated Long Day Care (Free Kinder Program)

While not part of the Free Kinder program, our integrated long day care offers a comprehensive and flexible childcare solution, including an educational program led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.

Includes a government-funded kinder program within a full day of care.
Families receive a $2,101 subsidy that offsets fees (the funding amount changes annually).
This model is ideal for working parents who need extended care hours (6:30 am – 6:30 pm).

Applying for Free Kinder at Anderson Road Child Care Centre is easy:

Contact Us

Call us at (03) 9913 5551 or visit our website andersonroadchildcare.com.au to express your interest.

Complete the Funded Kindergarten Declaration Form

This form must be filled out and submitted before your child can start.

Confirm Your Place

Once your application is processed, we will confirm your child’s enrolment in our Free Kinder program.

15 Years Experience

Running since 1996

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Costs Are Covered by Free Kinder?

The Victorian Government covers the full cost of sessional kinder. For integrated long day care, up to $2,101 is provided to offset fees. Additional costs (e.g., excursions or extracurricular programs) are not included.

2. Can I Apply for Free Kinder if My Child Attends Another Centre?

No, Free Kinder funding is available for only one kindergarten program at a time.

3. Is There a Deposit Required?

For sessional kinder there is a non-refundable deposit of $50 is required to secure your child’s place.

4. Do I Need to Reapply Each Year?

Yes, families need to complete a new Funded Kindergarten Declaration Form each year.

5. Does the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Apply?

Yes, for integrated long day care, the Free Kinder subsidy is applied before CCS, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

6. What Are the Educational Benefits of Free Kinder?

Research shows that children who attend two years of kindergarten:

> Have better literacy and numeracy skills.

> Develop stronger emotional and social intelligence.

> Are better prepared for the transition to primary school.

> There will be structured play-based learning set out that support each child’s individual and group learning goals, as well as daily rituals (routines) to support children’s development and their confidence when going off to school.

7. What Makes Anderson Road Child Care Centre Unique?

Flexible Scheduling: Our sessional kinder offers two convenient schedule options.

Qualified Educators: Programs are delivered by experienced Early Childhood Teachers.

Inclusive Environment: We welcome children of all backgrounds and abilities.

Contact Us Today

Give your child the best start in life with Free Kinder at Anderson Road Child Care Centre. To learn more or to secure your child’s place, call us at (03) 9913 5551 or visit andersonroadchildcare.com.au.