Free 3 & 4 Year Old Kindergarten Near Bayswater, Boronia & Wantirna

Since 2023, the Victorian Government has funded Free Kinder for every eligible 3 and 4 year old child in the state. For families in Bayswater, Boronia, Wantirna, Heathmont, The Basin, Kilsyth and surrounding suburbs, this means the kindergarten part of your child's week can cost nothing.

Here's what families ask us most often.

What is Free Kinder?

Free Kinder removes the kinder fees for funded sessional and integrated kindergarten programs. At a long daycare centre like Meraki Bayswater, the kindergarten portion of your child's attendance is funded — and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) covers the rest of the day, based on your family income.

Who is eligible?

All 3 and 4 year old children in Victoria can access Free Kinder. There are no income tests for the kinder component itself. Children must be enrolled in a funded program at an approved provider — Meraki Early Learning Centres is an approved provider for both 3-year-old and 4-year-old kinder.

How many hours does my child get?

• 3-year-old kinder: a minimum of 5 hours per week (we offer 15 hours)
• 4-year-old kinder: 15 hours per week, every week of the school year

Do I still need to apply for the Child Care Subsidy?

Yes. CCS applies to the rest of the daycare day (before and after the kinder program). You apply for CCS through your myGov account linked to Centrelink. We help every family through this process at enrolment.

Where do I enrol?

If you live in Bayswater, Bayswater North, Boronia, Wantirna, Wantirna South, Heathmont, The Basin or Kilsyth, our Bayswater centre is just a short drive. Both our 3-year-old kinder and 4-year-old kinder programs are led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers and led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers in a warm, Hygge-inspired learning environment.

Book a tour or call (03) 8658 7880 to chat to our team.