Early childhood education plays a critical role in a child’s development, laying the foundation for future learning and social skills. To support this, the Victorian Government has established the Kindergarten Funded Program to make high-quality kindergarten education accessible to all children. At Little Stars Early Education Centre, we’re proud to offer this program as part of our commitment to preparing children for a bright and successful start in life.
What Is the Government Kindergarten Funded Program?
The Government Kindergarten Funded Program is an initiative by the Victorian Government to provide funding for children to attend kindergarten in the years before they start school. This funding ensures that all eligible children have access to quality early learning, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
The funding supports both three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs, which are designed to promote early literacy, numeracy, social skills, and emotional development in a structured, play-based learning environment.
How Little Stars Early Education Centre Utilizes the Funded Program
At Little Stars Early Education Centre, located in Avondale Heights, we offer a Pre-Prep school readiness program that benefits from the Government Kindergarten Funded Program. Our program is inspired by the educational philosophies of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and play-based learning approaches. It is delivered by a qualified kindergarten teacher who creates a stimulating learning environment that focuses on the development of each child’s unique abilities.
Key Features of Our Pre-Prep Program
- Developmentally Appropriate Learning: Our Pre-Prep program is tailored to suit the learning needs of young children, providing them with structured educational experiences that promote growth in key developmental areas.
- Pre-Literacy and Numeracy: We focus on building the foundational skills in literacy and numeracy that children need for their future education.
- School Readiness: The program includes a range of activities designed to prepare children for the transition to primary school, ensuring they feel confident and capable.
- Nature-Based Play Spaces: Our beautiful outdoor areas include natural elements that encourage creativity, sensory experiences, and motor skill development.
- Nutritionally Balanced Meals: Every day, our chef prepares fresh, culturally appropriate meals that are both nutritious and delicious for our little learners.
Sessional and Long Day Care Kindergarten Options
In 2025, we are expanding our offerings to include a Sessional Kindergarten Program that will provide 15 hours of free kindergarten per week. This addition complements our existing long-day-care kindergarten funded program, giving families more flexibility in choosing the best option for their needs.
Who Is Eligible for the Funded Kindergarten Program?
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten
- Children who turn 4 years old on or before 30 April in the year of enrolment are eligible for the four-year-old State Government-funded kindergarten program.
- In Victoria, children cannot attend more than one State Government-funded kindergarten program at the same time.
Three-Year-Old Kindergarten
- Children who turn 3 years old on or before 30 April can apply for the three-year-old kindergarten program.
- If a child’s birthday is between 1 January and 30 April, they can start the program once they have turned 3.
- Children who turn 3 on or after 1 May will be eligible to register for the program in the following year.
Early Start Kindergarten (ESK)
Early Start Kindergarten (ESK) offers free kindergarten to eligible three-year-old children. To qualify, a child must be aged three by 30 April of the year they will be attending and meet one of the following criteria:
- The child is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- The child is known to Child Protection.
- The child or their parent/guardian has a refugee or asylum seeker background.
ESK is an invaluable opportunity for families in these circumstances, providing a supportive early learning environment that fosters educational development.
What Is the Kinder Tick?
Introduced by the Victorian Government in 2021, the Kinder Tick is a symbol that helps families identify high-quality kindergarten programs. When you see the Kinder Tick at Little Stars Early Education Centre, you can be assured that our program:
- Is evidence-based.
- Is led by a qualified teacher.
- Is funded and approved by the Victorian Government.
- Complies with the National Quality Framework.
The Kinder Tick ensures that your child will receive a top-notch educational experience that meets the highest standards of early childhood education.
How to Enrol in the Government Kindergarten Funded Program at Little Stars EEC
Enrolling in the Government Kindergarten Funded Program at Little Stars Early Education Centre is simple:
- Contact Us: Email us at info@littlestarseec.com.au, book a tour on our website, or call us at 03 9913 5551.
- Visit Our Centre: We encourage families to visit Little Stars EEC to see our learning environment and meet our dedicated teaching team.
- Book a Tour: Schedule a visit to learn more about how our program can benefit your child’s development.
We are now taking bookings for our 2025 Kindergarten School Readiness Program, so don’t miss out on securing a place for your child.
The Benefits of Kindergarten Education at Little Stars EEC
At Little Stars Early Education Centre, we believe that kindergarten is more than just preparation for school; it’s about nurturing your child’s love of learning, creativity, and curiosity. By offering Kindergarten curriculum that includes pre-literacy, numeracy, outdoor play, and hands-on experiences, we help children develop the skills they need to succeed both academically and socially.
Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every child can flourish and reach their full potential. With the help of the Government Kindergarten Funded Program, we’re making high-quality early childhood education accessible to more families in the Avondale Heights community.
Final Thoughts
The Government Kindergarten Funded Program is an incredible opportunity for families to provide their children with the best possible start in life. At Little Stars Early Education Centre, we’re proud to be a part of this initiative, delivering high-quality kindergarten programs that focus on each child’s individual growth and development.
If you are looking for a kindergarten in Avondale Heights and you’re interested in learning more about our funded kindergarten options or enrolling your child in our Pre-Prep program, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Together, we can help your child build a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.
For more information or to schedule a tour, visit our website or contact us directly.
Note: We are a Private kindergarten in Avondale heights
