Victorian Government Funded Kindergarten
Approved Free Kinder with the Kindergarten Tick.
Give your child a great start with an approved, teacher-led kindergarten program—backed by Victorian Government Free Kinder funding, with the daily convenience of long day care right here in Ferntree Gully.
Two important stages of early learning
Tailored kindergarten programs for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Curiosity, Play & Friendships
For children turning 3 by 30 April
Three is a big year for language, making friends, and trying new things. Our 3-Year-Old Kinder gives children plenty of time to explore, ask questions, and build confidence in a warm, welcoming room.
- Funded Victorian subsidy credited directly to your daily fees
- Led by our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher
- Focus on social confidence, sharing, emotional regulation, and joyful play
- Flexible booking (2 or more days per week recommended)
Confident Transition to Primary School
For children turning 4 by 30 April (year before school)
Our 4-Year-Old Kinder program delivers 15 hours of funded kindergarten every week. Children develop early reading skills, counting, teamwork, and the everyday independence needed to thrive in Prep and beyond.
- 15 hours of funded curriculum integrated into your child’s day
- Supportive school-readiness and primary school transition program
- Hands-on science, creative arts, early reading, and counting through everyday play
- Maximum Victorian Free Kinder fee offset applied to statements
Why families choose Magic Garden Kinder
The best of both worlds: sessional education with full day care hours.
Traditional council sessional kindergartens require midday pick-ups, term-only schedules, and packed lunchboxes. Magic Garden gives your child the exact same accredited curriculum with none of the stress.
| Feature | Magic Garden Funded Kinder | Standalone Sessional Kinder |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours | 6:30am – 6:30pm (Full day care) | Strict 9:00am – 2:00pm (School hours) |
| Meals & Nutrition | All fresh meals prepared on site by our cook | Parents must pack daily lunch & snacks |
| School Holidays | Open 50 weeks/year (No holiday scramble) | Closed during all school term breaks |
| Victorian Government Funding | Passed 100% to families as fee credit | Free for term hours only |
| Child Care Subsidy (CCS) | Applies to daily fees (Extra savings!) | Not applicable to standard sessional fees |
| Teacher Qualifications | Bachelor-Qualified ECT | Bachelor-Qualified ECT |
Start with a warm welcome
Experience our Kinder room in person.
The best way to decide on kindergarten is to see the learning space, inspect our leafy outdoor playground opposite Fairpark Reserve, and have a relaxed chat with our educators.
Meet our Bachelor-qualified teacherAsk about literacy, routines, and school readiness
Personalized fee estimateWe calculate your exact CCS and Free Kinder savings
Zero pressureTake your time and bring your little one along
Book a Kinder Tour & Reserve a Place
Select your preferred days and visit time. We will be in touch promptly.
Parent FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Victorian Free Kinder.
Here are the clear facts about funding, eligibility, and savings at Magic Garden.
How much will my family save with Free Kinder?+
Under the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder initiative, participating long day care services receive an annual funding amount per enrolled child (for both 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds). We pass 100% of this funding directly on to your family as an offset across your fee invoices. When combined with your federal Child Care Subsidy (CCS), out-of-pocket costs are reduced substantially.
Do I need to apply for the Victorian funding through Centrelink?+
No! The Victorian Government Free Kinder funding has nothing to do with Centrelink. When you enrol at Magic Garden, you simply sign a one-page Victorian Government declaration form. Our office submits the funding claim and applies the credit straight to your account.
Can my child attend kindergarten here and another service?+
Under Victorian regulations, a child can only be registered for funded kindergarten at one service at a time. You can still use other casual or family day care, but your nominated funded kindergarten must be allocated to Magic Garden.
How does our program ensure children are ready for Prep / Primary School?+
Our Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher aligns the curriculum with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). We focus on building emotional resilience, self-help skills (opening lunchboxes, putting on coats), active listening, foundational phonics and early mathematical concepts, and strong peer communication.
Are vacancies available for the upcoming term?+
Vacancies can fill quickly depending on your requested days. We recommend booking a tour or contacting us with your child’s date of birth and preferred days as early as possible to secure your placement.
Start with a visit
Come feel the difference a small centre makes.
Meet our educators, explore the rooms and outdoor spaces, and ask every question on your list. There is no obligation—just a warm welcome.