BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

DECEMBER 15, 2025

A great preschool/kindergarten program will build your child’s confidence, curiosity and school readiness in the year or two before they trot off to primary education. 

And although the preschool/kindy system is a bit complicated in Australia, with each state and territory having their own approach, the Preschool Reform Agreement ties everything together. 

This Agreement is a joint initiative between all governments, including the Australian government, and it locks in federal funding for preschool/kindy. 

Under the Preschool Reform Agreement, the Australian government pays a per-child amount to support access to 15 hours per week (aka 600 hours per year) of a quality preschool/kindy program in the year before big school.  

The Preschool Reform Agreement began in 2022 to firm up funding from then until 2025, and we’re pleased to report that this Agreement has now been extended until the end of 2027.  

This means that in 2026, the Australian government will pay $1,611.66 per child to support the delivery of 15 hours per week of preschool/kindy. 

And in 2027, they’ll pay $1,651.95 per child. 

This funding is paid direct to the state and territory governments, and it must be used to benefit children in their preschool/kindy setting, wherever that may be.  

This makes the funding fairer, and the Agreement also aims to improve preschool participation and attendance, so all children can get the benefit of a high-quality preschool/kindy program in the year before school. 

Some states and territories then go a step further, with funding for preschool/kindy in the two years before primary school, and you can explore the funding available in your location below. 

New South Wales: Start Strong provides fee relief for three- and four-year-olds. 

Victoria: There is Free Kinder for three- and four-year-olds at participating services. 

Queensland: There is Free Kindy for four-year-olds. 

South Australia: Three-year-old preschool is being rolled out from 2026 at Flying Start services.  

Western Australia: Children access 15 hours of kindy per week, and from 2026, free full-time kindergarten is being trialled in some public schools. 

Tasmania: Kindergarten programs are offered by schools for at least 15 hours per week for four-year-olds, and some three-year-olds.  

The Northern Territory: Preschool is offered to four-year-olds, and some three-year-olds in very remote areas. 

The Australian Capital Territory: Up to 300 hours per year of free three-year-old preschool is available at participating services, and there is up to 15 hours per week of free four-year-old preschool. 

As a parent, you may have a choice between enrolling your child in a standalone/community preschool/kindergarten, or in a long day care that offers a preschool/kindy program. 

So, have look at your local options, using the free KindiCare App or Childcare Comparison Website, then ask about the program and pricing at those services on your shortlist.  

And here’s to a great preparation for school and life!