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When can my child begin kindergarten

Families will be able to register their child for kindergarten in the year before their child turns 3. Children do not need to be Australian citizen to attend kindergarten.

Kindergarten age calculator

We have a useful tool to help you calculate when your child can attend 3-year-old or 4-year-old kindergarten based on the year they were born.

To use the calculator, enter your child's date of birth. The calculator will tell you:

  • The year your child can start 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten
  • How old they will be when they start kindergarten
  • How old they will be when they start school

Kindergarten options

Calculated for a child born on Date of Birth .

Year Age at January Kindergarten program
     
     
     

Your child is eligible to start 3-year-old kindergarten this yearand it is free

 

Research has shown that attending two years of kindergarten supports better learning outcomes for children.

 

Your child will be   when they start school in  .

Your child is eligible to start 4-year-old kindergarten this yearand it is free

 

Research has shown that attending kindergarten supports better learning outcomes for children.

 

Your child will be   when they start school in  .

Your child is eligible to start 3-year-old kindergarten this year, or can wait until next year.

 

Your child must be 3 years old before they commence kindergarten. We will hold your child’s kindergarten place until your child turns 3 and you will not be charged fees for this period. When your child turns 3, they can start to attend 3-year-old kindergarten.

 

You need to decide when is best for your child to begin kindergarten. Research has shown that attending two years of kindergarten supports better learning outcomes for children.

 

If they start 3 year old kinder this year they will be   when they start school in  .

Your child is eligible to start 3 year old or 4 year old kindergarten this year and it is free.

 

Research has shown that attending kindergarten supports better learning outcomes for children.

 

If they start 4 year old kindergarten this year they will be will be   when they start school in  .

Your child is eligible to start 4-year-old kindergarten or school this year and it is free.

 

Attending 4-year-old kindergarten is recommended as research has shown it supports better learning outcomes.

 

If they start 4 year old kindergarten this year they will be   when they start school in  .

Privacy statement

I have read and agree to the City of Casey’s Privacy Policy. We will only use the personal information you provided for the purposes for which it was collected and any other authorised use. The information we collect may also be used for our planning and research purposes to improve the services to the community. We will never reveal personal information we collect to third parties unless disclosure is required or authorised by law. If you have any queries or need further information on privacy-related matters, please contact Council’s Privacy Officer.

Kindergarten Term Dates

Kindergarten terms follow the Victorian school term dates. See term dates at School term dates and holidays in Victoria | vic.gov.au .

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When can children begin kindergarten?

Children must be 3 years old before they can start kindergarten. Children born between January and April can start:

  • 3-year-old kindergarten in the year they turn 3 or 4
  • 4-year-old kindergarten in the year they turn 4 or 5

Families need to decide the year their child will begin kindergarten. Use the kindergarten age calculator to help you decide.

What types of programs do kindergartens offer?

Sessional kindergartens may run different programs:

  • 5 hours per day, 3 days a week
  • 7.5 hours per day, 2 days a week
  • 6 hours per day, 2 days a week, plus 3 hours on 1 day (either morning or afternoon)

Kindergarten programs may include children aged 3 to 6. Programs may be:

  • same age groups (all 3-year-olds or all 4-year-olds)
  • mixed-age groups (both 3-year-old and 4-year-old children)
What are mixed-age groups?

These groups include both 3-year-old and 4-year-old children. The ratio of 3-year-old and 4-year-old children in a mixed age group will vary from kindergarten to kindergarten and may change over time.

What are the benefits of a mixed-age group?

Children learn and grow by spending time with people of all ages — at home, in school, and in the community. In a mixed-age group, they build friendships and develop skills in the same way they would in a single-age group.

  • Younger children learn by watching older children play. They gain new problem-solving skills, confidence, and self-esteem.
  • Older children develop mentoring and leadership skills that prepare them for future learning.

Our educators provide a high-quality program that supports each child’s individual development and interests.

Early Start Kindergarten (ESK)

Early Start Kindergarten (ESK) gives priority access to some children. To be eligible, your child must be 3 years old by 30 April and meet one of these criteria:

  • supported by Child Protection or in Out-of-Home Care
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • refugee or asylum seeker with a special visa

More information: Early Start Kindergarten | Victorian Government 

Free kindergarten and the funded kindergarten program

Free kindergarten

The Victorian Government has made kindergarten free for all 3-year-old and 4-year-old children. This helps every child get the best start in life.

You can find more details in the flyer, which is available in these languages:

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Chinese (traditional)
  • Chinese (simplified)
  • Vietnamese

Funded kindergarten program

The Victorian Government funds approved kindergartens for families to access:

  • up to 15 hours each week
  • 16 to 25 hours each week for Pre-Prep programs from 2026 in the 4-year-old program only

Funded kindergarten programs must be approved by the Department of Education and led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher.

This kindergarten funding is separate from the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). CCS is managed by Centrelink. Council-managed kindergartens in Casey only run funded sessional programs, so CCS does not apply.

How many funded services can my child attend?

Children can only be funded at one kindergarten at a time. If they move to a new service during the year, the first service must stop claiming funding before the new one can start.

How long can my child attend funded kindergarten?

Children can access:

  • one year of funded 3-year-old kindergarten
  • one year of funded 4-year-old kindergarten

Children may have access to an additional year of kindergarten if they are assessed as eligible by the kindergarten teacher. 

Have you found the information you were looking for?