14 Genoa Street, Dandenong North VIC 3175
Mon–Fri 6:30am – 6:00pm
(03) 9789 0067Kindergarten · 4–5 years
Kinder is where children build the confidence, friendships and skills that help them start school well. At YoMy Sunshine, kinder happens in the same familiar centre, with meals cooked on site and long-day hours that suit working families.
What is Funded Kindergarten?
Kindergarten, or kinder, is an early education program for children in the years before they start school. In Victoria, approved kinder programs are funded by the Victorian Government and led by a qualified early childhood teacher.
Kinder is play-based. Children learn through projects, stories, building, art, music and outdoor play, guided by a teacher who plans experiences around their interests and development.
Kinder can be offered at a standalone kindergarten or as part of a long day care centre. In long day care, children attend kinder within their usual day, which can make life easier for working families.
Two years of kinder
Victorian children can now access two years of funded kinder before school. Here is how the two years differ.
Three-Year-Old Kinder
Three-Year-Old Kinder is available across Victoria, and funded hours are growing over time. Children build social skills, language and independence through play, ready for their second year.
Ask us whether Three-Year-Old Kinder is available at our centre.
Four-Year-Old Kinder
Four-Year-Old Kinder is the year before school. Victoria is gradually increasing kinder hours for four-year-olds through a program called Pre-Prep, with timing that depends on where you live.
About Pre-PrepHow children learn
Kinder programs in Victoria follow the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). It sets out what children should be supported to learn from birth to eight years.
Services are also regulated under the National Quality Framework, which covers education, health, safety and the quality of care across Australia.
The framework’s five learning outcomes
Children feel safe, secure and proud of who they are and where they come from.
Children learn to belong to groups and communities, and to care for others and the environment.
Children grow physically and emotionally, and learn to look after their own health and safety.
Children are curious, try new things, solve problems and keep going when something is hard.
Children express ideas through talking, listening, stories, drawing, early writing and numbers.
School readiness
Being ready for school is about much more than knowing letters. It is being able to make friends, manage big feelings, follow a routine, ask for help and keep trying when something is new.
Kinder builds those skills through play, alongside early literacy and numeracy. Children listen to stories, count and measure, draw and write their names, and share their ideas with the group.
Families are part of the kinder year. We share your child’s learning and progress with you, and we can talk with you about starting school and what to expect.
Free Kinder and funding
Government support for kinder can make a real difference to your costs. Eligibility and program requirements apply, so here is a simple overview and where to find the official details.
Free Kinder is available for funded Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten at participating services. In long day care, it is usually applied as a yearly fee offset that reduces what you pay.
Free Kinder on vic.gov.auEligible families may be able to access the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy for long day care. The amount depends on your family’s circumstances and is worked out by Services Australia.
Child Care SubsidyGovernment funded kindergarten is available subject to Victorian eligibility and program requirements, including age rules. The easiest first step is to talk to us about your child and the year they will start school.
How enrolment worksAsk us about kinder places, funding and how kinder hours work at our centre.
This is general information only. For current rules, visit the Victorian Government’s Find a Kinder Program service or the official pages linked above.
FAQs
Kinder funding can be confusing. If you are unsure, call us and we will help you work it out.
Kindergarten is a play-based education program for children in the years before school, led by a qualified early childhood teacher and funded by the Victorian Government. In a long day care centre, kinder runs as part of your child’s day.
Free Kinder is available across Victoria at participating services. In long day care it usually works as a fee offset, which reduces your fees rather than making care completely free. Ask us how kinder fees and funding work at our centre.
Victoria has funded kindergarten programs for children in the two years before school. Age and enrolment rules apply, so talk to us about your child’s birthday and the year they are likely to start school.
Eligible families may be able to claim the Child Care Subsidy for long day care, including days when your child attends kinder at the centre. Services Australia decides eligibility and the amount.
That is a big part of what kinder is for. Children build the social, emotional, language and early learning skills that help them settle into school, all through play.
Before kinder
All programs include four meals a day from our own kitchen. See our meals or explore the centre.
0–2 years
A calm, unhurried room where babies follow their own rhythm for sleep, feeds and play, with one familiar educator looking out for them.
2–3 years
Busy, curious toddlers get room to move, try things for themselves and find their words, with routines that help them feel settled.
3–4 years
Play with purpose. Children build confidence, friendships and early literacy and number skills through projects they help choose.
Local to Dandenong North
Funded Kindergarten · Dandenong North
Play-based kinder learning under Victoria’s early years framework, within long-day hours close to home.
Book a Tour
Book a tour to see where kinder happens, meet the team and ask about places, days and funding. We will help you work out the right start for your child.
Open Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:00pm
