Pre-Prep is the new name for Four-Year-Old Kindergarten. From 2026, children across the Rural City of Wangaratta will be eligible for up to 20 hours of funded kindergarten per week through the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life initiative.
The expansion of this program supports children’s learning and development in the lead up to Primary School and is available through a range of Early Childhood services in Wangaratta.
From 2026, the Integrated Kindergarten Program at Wangaratta Children’s Services Centre will offer the full 20 hours of funded Pre-Prep. Families can book up to five days per week, including school holidays, combining the benefits of Long Day Care with the structured Pre-Prep curriculum.
For more details you can click below:
Wangaratta Children's Services Centre
Other kindergarten providers may benefit from Pre-Prep. You can search for other providers across the Rural City here:
Find a Kindergarten
Pre-Prep is a funded, teacher-led four year old kindergarten program. It builds on the existing kindergarten model, increasing funded hours from 15 to 20 hours per week.
Pre-Prep is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers using the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), supporting children’s learning, wellbeing, and school readiness.
Standalone or Sessional
Delivered on set days and times during school terms.
Integrated or Long Day Care Services
Combines a full day of education and care with a structured kindergarten program. Available year-round, including school holidays.
Pre-prep is available to all families, regardless of:
You can only claim Pre-Prep funding at one kindergarten service at a time.
While Pre-Prep is universal, services are encouraged to prioritise access for children who may benefit most with additional funded hours available, including:
Pre-Prep is funded for up to 20 hours per week.
Families using integrated long day care services will receive a fee offset for the hours covered by the Pre-Prep program. Additional hours outside the funded program may incur standard service fees.
To enrol your child in Pre-Prep, contact your preferred kindergarten or Long Day Care service in Wangaratta. Participating services will be listed on the Victorian Government website closer to the rollout date.
Visit the Victorian Government’s Kinder: Best Start, Best Life website for more information: Kinder: Best Start, Best Life | vic.gov.au
Or email: EYL@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Kinder: Best Start, Best Life | vic.gov.au