Enrolments are now open for Pre-Prep — an extended four-year-old kinder program that gives children extra time to learn before they start school.
Led by qualified teachers, Pre-Prep provides more hours of quality play-based learning to children in their four-year-old kinder program.
From 2026, eligible children in Benalla can access between 16 and 20 hours of kindergarten each week — up from 15 hours.
More hours means more learning through play. Studies indicate that more time at kindergarten can make a significant difference to a child’s cognitive, social and emotional outcomes, including how they manage their feelings and relate to others.
Free kinder is available for Pre-Prep programs at both sessional kinders and long day care centres.
Families with children enrolled in a kindergarten program at a long day care service receive a fee offset.
Elsewhere in Victoria, Pre-Prep is also commencing in the local government areas of Buloke, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Horsham, Loddon, Mansfield, Mitchell, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
The staged roll-out prioritises regional areas before expanding across the state.
This phased approach allows time to grow the workforce and build the infrastructure required to support the local kindergarten services, teaching the next generation.
From 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from a refugee or asylum-seeker background and those who have had contact with child protection will also have access to up to 25 hours of Pre-Prep each week, no matter where they live.
If you’re interested in learning more about Pre-Prep, visit the Pre-Prep information booth at Benalla Library on Saturday, May 17 or visit vic.gov.au/pre-prep
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