VIC Free Kinder Funding
What is Free Kinder funding?
The Victorian Government offers free kindergarten funding for eligible children to support their learning and development in the year before they start school.
This funding covers 15 hours of kindergarten per week, which can be used at any approved kindergarten program in Victoria. Our Kindergarten programs will receive funding directly from the Victorian Government, so your family is not out of pocket (and don’t have to claim the savings back). Only About Children is participating in Free Kinder all our 22 campuses in Melbourne.
The Free Kinder Finding program is designed to ensure all children to access the benefits of early learning and give them a strong foundation for a successful school experience.
Free Kinder Funding FAQs
What is the Free Kinder Program?
Free Kinder is a Victorian Government initiative that provides free access to two years of high-quality kindergarten programs for all Victorian children. It is being introduced to ensure every child gets the best start for the best life.
When is Free Kinder available from?
Free Kinder will commence in 2023 and available throughout 2023.
Can families receive Free Kinder at Only About Children?
Yes, Only About Children is participating in Free Kinder all our 22 campuses in Melbourne.
Learn more about our unique Kindergarten 2-year school readiness program at Only About Children.
How much is the Free Kinder payment?
For eligible children who attend Only About Children, the Free Kinder payments for 2023 for those that attend 2 days or more (15-hour subsidised program) will attract $2,000 across the school year. Nominating Only About Children as your Kinder provider will mean that your campus receives funding that supports to program resources and will have access to a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher for a minimum of at least 15 hours a week for each child.
Who is eligible for Free Kinder?
- Victorian children who turn 3 years old by 30th April 2023 are eligible for the 3-year-old Free Kinder.
- Victorian children who turn 4 years old by 30th April 2023 are eligible for the 4-year-old Free Kinder.
- Only one service can be nominated at a time.
- Only one year each of the 3 year old and 4 year old Kinder funding can be claimed.
- A minimum of 2 days enrolment is required.
What if my child attends more than one service?
Children can only receive Free Kinder funding at one service. If a child attends more than once service, the family must nominate which service they will receive their funded kindergarten program and therefore their Free Kinder funding.
What if my child moves from a different service to Only About Children in the kindergarten year?
If your child is in Kinder and moves from one service to Only About Children the Free Kinder will move with your child, with the regular payments made to us for the rest of the year (or the duration that your child remains with us).
How will I receive my Free Kinder payment?
Free Kinder payments are made by the Victorian Government to Only About Children, not to families. We will directly offset the Free Kinder payment from your weekly fees and you will be able to see the offset amount on your invoice statements. The payment is $41.66 weekly and will commence the first week of February through to the end of December.
Will Free Kinder be applied before or after CCS (Commonwealth Childcare Subsidy)?
To maximise the financial benefit for families, the Free Kinder offset to fees will be applied after CCS has been applied.
To find out more information about Free Kinder and eligibility please visit
Related reads
How Does Preschool/Kindergarten In Long Daycare Differ?
Struggling to understand the difference between preschool/kindergarten in a long daycare setting versus community preschool/kindergarten? We review the key differences and similarities.
2 Easy Ways To Support Mindfulness in Toddlers
Growing evidence suggests that teaching mindfulness to children can help with learning, decision making, emotional intelligence, self-confidence and connectedness to others. Here are 2 fun ways to teach your little ones mindfulness and help express their feelings.
