Find a Kinder in Wellington

Please visit the Find A Kinder Program's interactive map to find kindergartens in your area.

‍

Starting a quality kindergarten program at an earlier age leads to positive effects on child development. Kindergarten is a safe place for children to build skills, become more independent, and make friends.

Kindergarten open days, fees and more

Kindergarten Open Days are usually held in May of each year. More information can be found by contacting your preferred service provider.

Please note Wellington Shire Council does not manage or coordinate kindergarten programs. In Wellington Shire, kindergarten services are delivered by private companies, community-based committee of management and/or early years managers.

Since 2023, and in accordance with the Victorian Government's Free Kinder policy, most kindergarten programs are free across Victoria. All kindergarten providers under the Wellington Kindergarten Central Registration Service are participating providers for Free Kinder. Free Kinder is for everyone – you don’t need to be a permanent resident or Australian citizen to access a free kindergarten program.

Please note that free Kinder can only be accessed at one service at a time.

Funded 3-year-old kindergarten programs range from 5 to 15 hours per week.

Funded 4-year-old kindergarten programs are up to 15 hours per week.

Some providers may offer more than 15 hours per week of 4-year-old-kindergarten.

You may need to pay fees if:

• Your child attends more than 15 hours per week of 4-year-old kindergarten; or
• Your child attends a long day care centre and incurs childcare fees (you may be eligible for a childcare subsidy if this is the case).

Kindergarten fees and childcare fees may vary. Please contact your preferred provider for fee information.

From 2026, between 16 and 25 hours of Pre-Prep will be available statewide to:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• Children from a refugee or asylum seeker background
• Children who have had contact with Child Protection services

Children who are currently accessing Early Start Kindergarten at services in 2025 are eligible for Pre-Prep from 2026.

While all children stand to benefit from the Best Start, Best Life reforms, those who meet the eligibility for the priority cohort roll-out are children that research suggests have the most to gain from expanded programs.