Victoria to expand Free Kinder and bilingual early learning programs
The Victorian Government is investing almost $500 million in the 2026/27 Victorian Budget to expand Free Kinder across the state.
Free Kinder is a Victorian Government program designed to help three- and four-year-old children access quality education by providing free kindergarten programs, including Pre-Prep. Standalone (sessional) kinder services and long-day care services across the state participate in this program.
The government said each child can save up to $5,200 a year through this program.
This investment will be used to build five Early Learning Victoria (ELV) centres, establish 22 kindergartens at school sites, and provide funding for 27 new and expanded kindergartens. The government said the new facilities would be delivered in areas where they are needed most.
Meanwhile, the Victorian Government is also investing $9.8 million to support the Building Blocks Improvement and Inclusion Grant program. The program aims to fund upgrades to make kindergarten facilities safer and more inclusive.
The government reports that 570,000 children have benefited from the Free Kinder program since 2023, which has helped reduce the cost of living for families.
In addition, to support Victoria’s multicultural environment, the government is investing $3.6 million in bilingual kindergarten programs to support the Early Childhood Language Program.
The program supports 197 kindergartens in teaching 21 languages, including Auslan, Hindi, Chinese, and six Victorian Aboriginal languages; approximately 7,000 children have benefited from it so far.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said that every child in every family should have the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive at kindergarten.
Sources：https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/labor-invests-free-kinder
https://www.vic.gov.au/free-kinder
