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Discover community kindergartens located within local primary schools, proudly provided by the expert teaching teams at Goodstart Early Learning.
- Thanks to Victorian Government funding, children are eligible for up to 15 hours of free kindergarten each week for 40 weeks.
- Convenient Locations: Many new kindergartens are being established at local primary schools, making school drop-offs and pick-ups easier for families. Victorian School Building Authority
- Quality Education: Kindergarten Programs are led by qualified early childhood teachers, focusing on play-based learning to support your child's learning and development.
These programs give your child the best possible start to their learning journey and prepare them for school readiness.
Community (Sessional) vs Long Day Care (LDC) Kindergarten
Convenient Locations: Many new kindergartens are being established at local primary schools, making school drop-offs and pick-ups easier for families. Victorian School Building Authority
Both options offer a government-approved kinder program for children over 3:
Community (Sessional) Kindergarten
- Run on set days/times (school terms only)
- Delivered at local primary schools
- Free government-funded hours
Long Day Care (Integrated) Kindergarten
- Runs 52 weeks a year, approx. 12 hours a day, 5 days a week
- Offered within Goodstart Early Learning Centres
Community (Sessional) Kindergarten vs Long Day Care (LDC) Kindergarten
Community (Sessional) Kindergarten | Long Day Care (LDC) Kindergarten | |
Location | Local primary schools | Early Learning Centres |
Hours |
Set days/times (during school terms only) eg 9-3pm | Extended hours – approx. 12 hrs/day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks/year |
Cost | Free – up to 15 hrs/week funded | Free kinder hours + additional hours may attract fees (CCS available) |
Structure | Runs on a session timetable (e.g. 2–3 days per week) | Integrated into a full-day care program |
Flexibility | Fixed times – great for families who want school-like structure | Flexible for working families needing all-day care |
Program | Teacher-led, play-based kindergarten curriculum. School readiness |
Same teacher-led play based program + additional care and learning. School readiness
|
Qualifications
| Bachelor Qualified Teachers | Bachelor Qualified Teachers |
Government Funding | Free Kinder funding applies | Free Kinder funding + CCS fee reduction (if eligible) |
Age Groups | 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten | 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and Pre-Prep (from 2025)
|
Food | Pack your own | All meals provided |
Best For | Families wanting shorter, school-hours style sessions | Families needing longer days, care across school holidays |
Not sure which is right for your family? Contact us on 1800 222 543 and we can help you choose the best option.
Funded Kindergarten in Long Day Care vs Funded Sessional Kindergarten. What's the difference?
The difference between sessional and integrated kindergarten
Eligibility Criteria
- Three-Year-Old Kinder: 5–15 hours (must turn 3 by 30 April of the kinder year; cannot attend until 3rd birthday)
- Four-Year-Old Kinder: 15 hours (moving towards 30 hours as part of Pre-Prep from 2025)
- Available to all families – no Health Care Card, CCS, or residency requirements needed.
