Is Melbourne kindergarten free for Victorian families?

Under the Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Victorian Government provides funding to make kindergarten free or low-cost. In sessional programs, this typically covers 15 hours of care per week. In integrated settings, a “Free Kinder” subsidy is applied to your account, reducing your out-of-pocket costs for the Melbourne kindergarten program.

What is the difference between sessional and integrated kindergarten?

Sessional kindergarten is a standalone program that usually runs for 15 hours a week during school terms. Integrated kindergarten is provided within a long day care setting, offering the same teacher-led curriculum but with the flexibility of longer care hours and year-round operation. Both options are popular choices for a Melbourne kindergarten experience.

When is my child eligible to start 3 or 4-year-old kindergarten?

In Victoria, your child must turn three by 30 April to be eligible for a 3-year-old kindergarten program. Similarly, they must be four by 30 April to start a 4-year-old program. If their birthday is in the first few months of the year, families can choose whether to start that year or wait until the following year.

How much is the Long Day Care Kinder Subsidy?

Children completing their three or four-year-old funded kindergarten program in Long Day Care will receive a subsidised childcare amount. This subsidy will be deducted from their fees in weekly installments throughout the year.

Generally what should I bring?

We ask you to bring the following: A soft toy or comfort blanket for sleep time Two changes of clothes. Drink bottle Infant formula

Do you operate all year?

Nearly, we are open 50 weeks for the year. Closing only over Christmas/New Year period.

Are kindergarten teachers qualified?

Absolutely, all our kindergarten teachers have a Bachelor of Education.

How old does my child have to be to enrol in a kindergarten program?

For 3-year-old kindergarten, your child must turn 3 years by 30th April in the year they are attending. For 4-year-old kindergarten, your child must turn 4 years old by 30th April in the year they are attending.

How do I know if my child is ready to start kindergarten?

We recommend you speak to your maternal and child health nurse about your child’s development.

Cire Early Learning

Community Not-For-Profit Childcare And Kindergarten

Cire Early Learning provides quality long day care with integrated kindergarten, as well as sessional kindergarten, in Melbourne’s east and south east.

For over 25 years, our caring educators have delivered early education with heart, integrity, and a strong sense of community. Every child is supported, celebrated, and encouraged to reach their full potential and thrive.

Our Programs

Long Day Care

Offering a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years including integrated 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten. Complete with freshly prepared, nutritious meals to support growth and well-being.

3 & 4-Year-Old Kindergarten

Nurturing a passion for learning in 3 and 4-year-olds through engaging play-based experiences that establish a solid foundation for lifelong education. Supporting a smooth transition to primary school.

Bush Kinder

Our Bush Kinder program offers outdoor learning in nearby bushland settings, where children explore, discover, and grow through nature-based play and hands-on experiences.

Reggio Emilia Approach

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, each of our centres are designed to ignite a child’s imagination. We believe children are active and capable members of our community, and seek to stimulate their curiosity, encourage exploration, and promote expression.

Children express themselves in a hundred different ‘languages’ as they form their unique understanding of the world.

At Cire, children build a foundation for lifelong learning through meaningful experiences and warm relationships with their community.

Our Centres

Pakenham

10 Atlantic Drive Pakenham 3810

Croydon

22-24 View Street Croydon 3136

Lilydale

435–437 Maroondah Highway Lilydale 3140

Mt Evelyn

20A Old Hereford Road Mt Evelyn 3796

Yarra Junction

39-41 Little Yarra Road Yarra Junction

Chirnside Park

33 Kimberley Drive, Chirnside Park 3116

The Cire Difference

Not-for-profit, community-based services

Reggio Emilia inspired approach

Support for children, families, and community

Reliable and passionate care

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I enroll my child at Cire Early Learning?

To begin the process, you can complete an enquiry form on the Cire website or call our support team on 1300 835 235.

Are all kindergarten programs at Cire led by qualified teachers?

Every kindergarten program at Cire is led by a university-trained, Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher. This ensures that every child in a Cire Melbourne kindergarten program receives an education that aligns with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).

Do Cire programs include Bush Kinder?

Yes, Cire is well-known for its Bush Kinder program. This experience takes the Melbourne kindergarten curriculum outdoors, allowing children to learn in local bushland settings. They explore nature, build resilience and develop problem-solving skills in an open-ended, natural environment.

Which Cire locations offer kindergarten?

Cire provides high-quality Melbourne kindergarten options across several locations to support local families. You can access sessional programs at Chirnside Park and Pakenham (Hollins Children’s Centre), or integrated programs at our Croydon, Lilydale, Mt Evelyn and Yarra Junction centres.

Is kindergarten compulsory in Victoria?

No, kindergarten is not compulsory. However, it is strongly recommended because it helps children develop the social, emotional and cognitive skills needed for school. Most families find that attending two years of a quality Melbourne kindergarten program creates a much smoother transition to primary school.