The Allan Labor Government is making it easier for families to secure a kindergarten place by investing in better central enrolment systems that simplify the process.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced more than $1.6 million in grants for councils in 58 local government areas to improve or establish a Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES) - helping families enrol in kindergarten.
CRES gives families a single point of entry to register for multiple local kindergarten services - helping to reduce stress, cut red tape and ensure every child has access to quality early learning.
The funding also makes registration and enrolment in kinder free for families - reducing the burden of hidden fees and paperwork at a time when households are feeling the pinch from cost-of-living pressures.
For the first time, families in Greater Geelong will benefit from CRES with up to $60,000 in funding to establish a fully coordinated central enrolment system - covering all sessional kindergarten providers in the area by 2026.
Councils receiving CRES grants will also receive implementation support from the Municipal Association of Victoria.
With Free Kinder saving families up to $2,600 per child per year, central enrolment means another thing parents don't need to worry about.
This year's investment will help prepare councils for the expansion of Pre-Prep in 2026 to an additional 12 local government areas - along with the rollout of expanded kindergarten hours statewide for children who will benefit most.
The CRES funding is part of the Labor Government's nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms - transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents and carers to return to work or study.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"Central enrolment takes the guesswork out of kindergarten - families don't have to navigate complex systems or worry about missing out, they just apply once and have more options close to home."
"Wherever you live in Victoria, every family deserves a simple and fair way to access kindergarten - and that's exactly what our investment delivers."
As stated by Member for Geelong Chris Couzens
"Families across Greater Geelong will soon have a simpler way to enrol their children in kindergarten - thanks to our $60,000 investment to build a streamlined, central enrolment system."
As stated by Member for Lara Ella George
"We know kinder helps children build confidence, friendships, and foundational skills - but too many families still face barriers to enrolling. That's why we're investing in systems that put children first."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"Every child in Geelong deserves the best start in life which is why CRES is coming to Geelong - to help families navigate kinder registration and enrolment."
