Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is Becoming Pre-Prep in Wangaratta

Published on 21 October 2025

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Wangaratta is preparing for a change in early childhood education. From 2026, four-year-old kindergarten will become Pre-Prep, offering children and families a stronger start to school and life.

Under this new initiative, all children eligible for four-year-old kindergarten in 2026 will be eligible for 16 - 20 hours of funded Pre-Prep each week. For priority cohorts, this will increase to up to 25 hours, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and enriching environment.

This change is part of a broader statewide rollout aimed at strengthening early learning outcomes and easing the transition into primary school. Pre-Prep will focus on play-based learning, social development, and foundational skills that set children up for success.

Wangaratta is proud to offer a diverse range of high-quality early learning services; each committed to delivering exceptional care and education. From long day care centres to sessional kindergartens, families can choose from a variety of settings that best suit their needs.

Harvey Benton, Acting Mayor Rural City of Wangaratta “Pre-Prep offers a great opportunity for children to build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning right from the beginning of their education journey.”

Enrolments for 2026 are now open and families are encouraged to explore their local early learning options and secure their place for next year. A list of local providers is available on council website www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Services/Families-and-Children/Find-a-Kindergarten

The Facts

  • Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is becoming Pre-Prep, with programs increasing from 15 to 30 hours each week by full roll-out.
  • Pre-Prep offers a longer program in the year before school, which means there will be more time for children to deepen their learning and development.
  • Pre-Prep is a play-based learning program led by qualified teachers.
  • Like Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, Pre-Prep will follow the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
  • The priority cohort includes:

- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

- children from a refugee or asylum seeker background

- children who have had contact with Child Protection services

- children supported by Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early Learning in their Three Year-Old Kindergarten year

Additional Information

For more information about Pre-Prep, go to

www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Services/Families-and-Children/Pre-Prep

 

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