Understanding Sessional Kindergarten, Long Day Care, and the Government Funded Kindergarten Program in Victoria
Nurturing Young Minds for Over 11 Years
Choosing the right early childhood education program is an important step for every family. With several options available — including sessional kindergarten, long day care, and the Government Funded Kindergarten Program — it can be confusing to know which one is best for your child.
This detailed guide explains how these programs work in Victoria, the differences between them, and how funding support like Free Kinder makes kindergarten more accessible for families.
At Anderson Road Child Care Centre in Albion, we proudly deliver both sessional and long day care kindergarten programs, each designed to give children the best possible start to their learning journey.
What Is a Government Funded Kindergarten Program?
The Victorian Government Funded Kindergarten Program ensures every child has access to high-quality early learning in the year or two before starting school.
The program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) in both community-based kindergartens and long day care services.
The goals of the funded kindergarten program are to:
- Support children’s early learning, development, and school readiness.
- Provide access to quality, play-based education regardless of family income.
- Build strong foundations for literacy, numeracy, emotional and social development.
Government funding helps make kindergarten affordable — and with the introduction of Free Kinder in Victoria, many families pay little or no fees for their child’s kindergarten program.
Understanding Sessional Kindergarten
Sessional kindergarten (sometimes called community kindergarten) offers a structured, part-time program that runs on specific days and times each week — usually adding up to 15 hours per week.
Children attend for a set number of hours each day (e.g., 3 x 5-hour sessions or 2 x 7.5-hour sessions). The program follows school terms and is delivered by qualified teachers in a group learning environment.
Key features of sessional kindergarten:
- Fixed hours: Shorter, set sessions (e.g., 9:00 am – 2:00 pm).
- School-term calendar: Usually operates for 40 weeks per year.
- Structured learning environment: Focused on school readiness and social development.
- Family involvement: Parents often participate in community activities and events.
Sessional kindergarten suits families who have flexible schedules or other care arrangements outside kindergarten hours.
At Anderson Road Child Care Centre, our sessional kinder program is delivered by experienced teachers who focus on learning through play, creativity, and exploration — helping children develop independence and confidence before school.
Understanding Long Day Care Kindergarten
Long day care (LDC) combines early education and care in one setting. These services operate for extended hours — typically from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm — making them ideal for working families who need all-day support.
Long day care centres provide the same Government Funded Kindergarten Program, taught by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, but within a full-day care environment.
Key features of long day care kindergarten:
- Flexible hours: Care and education available across the whole day.
- All-inclusive environment: Meals, rest time, and daily routines are part of the program.
- Continuous learning: Children learn through play, exploration, and structured experiences throughout the day.
- Year-round operation: Most centres open 50 weeks per year.
At Anderson Road Child Care Centre in Albion, our long day care kinder offers families the flexibility of full-day care with the educational benefits of a funded kindergarten program. Children participate in a rich learning curriculum guided by Early Childhood Teachers, while enjoying nutritious meals, rest time, and fun with friends — all in one nurturing environment.
Key Differences Between Sessional Kindergarten and Long Day Care
Both sessional and long day care kindergarten programs provide the same high-quality early learning curriculum and are delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers. The main difference lies in how and when care is provided.
| Aspect | Sessional Kindergarten | Long Day Care Kindergarten |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Set sessions (e.g., 9 am–2 pm) | Flexible full-day hours (e.g., 6:30 am–6:30 pm) |
| Term structure | Follows school terms | Operates year-round |
| Meals and care | Families provide snacks/lunch | Centre provides meals and care |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule | Flexible for working families |
| Cost | Often free or low cost through Free Kinder | Fees apply but offset by CCS and Free Kinder funding |
| Best for | Families with flexible schedules | Families needing full-day care and education |
No matter which option families choose, both support children’s development through play-based learning, social interaction, and preparation for school.
15 Years Experience
Running since 1996
Free Kinder and Government Funding Explained
To make kindergarten more affordable, the Victorian Government introduced Free Kinder for all 3- and 4-year-old children enrolled in a funded program.
How Free Kinder works:
- Eligibility: All Victorian children aged 3 or 4 attending a funded kindergarten program.
- Funded hours: Up to 15 hours per week of free or low-cost kindergarten.
- Funding method: The Government pays a fee offset (up to $2,050) directly to the service.
- Applies to: Both sessional kindergartens and long day care services that deliver a funded program.
This initiative ensures that cost is not a barrier for families to access quality early education.
At Anderson Road Child Care Centre, eligible children benefit from Free Kinder funding whether they’re enrolled in our sessional program or long day care kindergarten.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Child
When deciding between sessional kindergarten and long day care, families should consider their daily routines, work hours, and their child’s individual needs.
Here are some helpful questions to guide your decision:
- Do you need care for your child beyond the 15 funded hours?
- Does your child thrive on longer routines and all-day engagement?
- Would you prefer a shorter, school-like schedule?
- How important is flexibility around drop-off and pick-up times?
Sessional kindergarten may suit families with flexible or part-time work schedules, while long day care is ideal for families who need extended hours but still want their child to benefit from a government-funded educational program.
Whichever option you choose, both provide children with a nurturing, play-based foundation that supports school readiness and lifelong learning.
Government Quality Standards and Curriculum
All kindergarten programs in Victoria — whether sessional or long day care — operate under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
These frameworks ensure:
- Consistent quality standards across all services.
- A focus on holistic development — cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.
- Play-based learning that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independence.
At Anderson Road Child Care Centre, our educators implement the EYLF through engaging experiences that support every child’s individual learning journey.
Kindergarten at Anderson Road Child Care Centre (Albion, VIC)
Located in Albion, Anderson Road Child Care Centre offers both sessional and long day care kindergarten programs within a warm, purpose-built environment.
Our qualified Early Childhood Teachers deliver the Victorian Government Funded Kindergarten Program in a way that suits every family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for structured sessional kinder or the flexibility of long day care, your child will experience:
- A nurturing, inclusive environment.
- Play-based learning guided by the EYLF.
- Access to Free Kinder funding.
- Strong partnerships between families and educators.
We proudly support families from Albion, Ardeer, Sunshine, Braybrook, and surrounding suburbs — helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Conclusion
Both sessional kindergarten and long day care kindergarten offer high-quality, government-funded education designed to give Victorian children the best possible start in life.
Thanks to Free Kinder, all families can now accesfs these programs without worrying about financial barriers.
At Anderson Road Child Care Centre, we’re passionate about supporting every child’s growth and development through caring, qualified educators and meaningful early learning experiences.
Give your child the best start — discover our kindergarten programs today.