Preschool children to benefit from new kindergarten $514 million funding deal

A $514 million funding deal will guarantee four-year-olds 15 hours of kindergarten, in a massive win for kids’ early education.

Government funding has been confirmed for four-year-old preschools. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

About 330,000 Victorian children will be guaranteed 15 hours of kinder in the year before they start school under a new funding agreement.

The $514 million deal signed by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments guarantees four-year-old preschool funds from 2022 to 2025.

Acting Education Minister Stuart Robert said the agreement will ensure Victorian children have access to high-quality preschool options and are better prepared for their first year of school.

“Importantly, this funding is linked to new reforms, including improving preschool participation and developing an outcomes measure, and will benefit all children, regardless of the type of preschool they attend,” Mr Robert said.

Victorian Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt said the Commonwealth’s contribution would provide funding certainty to parents, educators and the sector.

Victoria will spend a total of $2.3 billion on four-year-old kindergarten over the life of the agreement.

“The evidence is clear – the more we invest in early childhood education, the better start in life Victorian kids get. We’re proud to support their wellbeing, learning and development,” Ms Stitt said.

“This agreement maintains Commonwealth funding to the sector and, importantly, will ensure all Victorian children and their families are supported during these significant years.”