From 2023, the Victorian State Government is introducing the Free Kindergarten initiative which will provide families with access to free kidergarten programs.

The Department of Education and Training (DET) also provides funding to assist eligible three-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from a refugee or asylum seeker background and children known to Child Protection, to access Early Start Kindergarten programs (for more information see here).

What Free Kindergarten means at our service

• 3-year-old program (5 hours per week, or 15 hours for students eligible for the Early Start Kindergarten program) – no parent fee

• 4-year-old program (15 hours per week) – no parent fee

Other charges may be levied by Ascot Kindergarten as follows:

Excursion/service event charge (outside of the 15 hours per week program):

At times throughout the year an additional excursion(s) or event(s) may be arranged where it is considered relevant to the service’s program and the children’s interests. At this time any additional costs to families are taken into consideration before a decision is made (refer to Excursions and Service Events Policy).

Late collection charge:

The Committee of Management reserves the right to implement a late collection charge when parents/guardians are frequently late in collecting a child from the service. This charge will be set at a level determined by the Committee of Management.

Fundraising and voluntary parent payment/donation:

While participation in fundraising/donation is voluntary, the support of every family is encouraged. Fundraising activities are also an opportunity for families and communities to come together.

Further information about Free Kindergarten and fee information on our Policies and Documents page.