Why Pre Prep matters for your child’s future.
4 year old kindergarten is transitioning to pre prep. Pre prep offers up to 30 hours per week of high quality free kinder education.
Changes to 4 year old kindergarten
Pre Prep explained.
Pre prep programs offer a nurturing environment that fosters emotional, cognitive, physical, and social skills. Pre prep extends children’s kindergarten experience through increased hours. Learn how pre prep and these early learning experiences set a strong foundation for your child’s future success.
The pre prep program is being rolled out by the government from 2025, starting in six local government areas and will gradually roll out across Victoria.
The Uniting centres where pre prep is rolled out for all enrolled families as of 2026 are:
In 2026, there is a statewide rollout of pre prep for priority groups of 4 year old children who:
- identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- are from a refugee or asylum seeker background
- have had contact with Child Protection services.
Pre prep hours for these priority groups range between 16-25 hours per week – your kinder will be able to advise their individual program.
For more information visit the Victorian Government website.
How Pre Prep differs from Kindergarten
Both kindergarten and pre prep are designed to support children’s early learning. But an important difference between the two is the increased session times offered in pre prep. Pre prep offers up to 30 hours per week of high quality free kinder education.
This extra time allows children to further explore their interests, develop their skills and enjoy learning and playtime. It also gives the educators the opportunity to nurture deeper relationships with children and families through longer contact time. Learn more about pre prep.
Why choose Uniting for your child’s Pre Prep journey?
Our pre prep classes are taught by experienced educators, who ensure every child is given the support and resources they need.
We’re passionate about providing high-quality early learning and building a strong sense of community.
We’re committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. By choosing Uniting, you’ll give your child a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Key features of the Uniting Pre Prep Program
At Uniting our Pre Prep provides high-quality early learning childcare across Victoria. We offer Pre Prep programs that create nurturing environments that prepare children for school.
Our teacher-led play-based approach to pre prep learning focuses on literacy, numeracy, and play-based activities. This balance ensures children are well-prepared for school, academically, socially and developmentally.
Our highly qualified and dedicated educators create a supportive and encouraging learning environment. They foster a lifelong love of learning and guide children's development through play-based and teacher-led pre prep learning.
Our inclusive learning community welcomes children of all abilities. We promote a sense of belonging and collaboration, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
Enrolling in our Pre Prep program
Ready to enrol your child in pre prep in Victoria? Here’s how:
- Contact us: Reach out to our enrolments team to inquire about availability and enrollment procedures. Call 1800 183 103 or fill out an online enquiry form.
- Book a tour: Schedule a visit to our centre to experience our learning environment firsthand and meet our friendly teachers.
- Complete the enrollment form: Fill out the required enrollment form, providing essential information about your child.
- Accept the enrollment offer: Once your child is accepted, confirm your enrollment and complete any necessary paperwork.
For more information on the pre prep program or to start the enrollment process, please contact us today.
Our Pre Prep locations
From 2026, pre prep is available at specific Uniting locations only. View list of centres here.
Access to pre prep is available at all of our kindergartens listed below by eligible children only.
Frequently asked questions about Pre Prep
Pre prep in Victoria is an early learning program designed to prepare children for primary school. It’s part of Victoria’s educational reforms, aiming to provide children with a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.
In specific areas, all children aged 4 years old on or before 30 April are eligible to enroll in pre prep. We offer inclusive programs to cater to the needs of all children, regardless of their background or abilities. See our list of centres with pre prep access for everyone in 2026.
From 2026, pre prep is available for 4 year olds at every centre statewide for these priority cohorts only:
- identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- are from a refugee or asylum seeker background
- have had contact with Child Protection services.
Operating hours can vary between centres. To get specific information about hours of operation and available places, please contact your nearest Uniting Early Learning Centre. Pre Prep and Kindergarten programs across Victoria are free for all families.
In the pre prep program, children develop essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning through teacher-led activities and play-based experiences.
Yes, our pre prep program caters to the needs of all children. We provide individual support and learning plans for children with special needs, ensuring they can enjoy the experience and reach their full potential.
To ensure a smooth start to the day, please pack a labelled lunchbox with healthy snacks and a nutritious lunch, a labelled water bottle, and a sun hat. Children should come dressed in clothing suitable for active play, such as climbing and jumping.
Absolutely. We encourage parents to visit our pre-preps to see our learning environment firsthand. Booking a tour or attending an open day is a great way to meet our dedicated educators and ask any questions you may have.
Families are asked to provide their own meals and snacks, for our Pre Prep program. This ensures that each child receives meals that meet their individual needs and preferences, supporting their health and development.
While our kinder program is provided free of charge, Uniting offers a range of broader support services to assist families. Please contact your nearest Uniting Early Learning Centre to explore the support options available to you.