MyChild

Early Childhood Education Options

Many child care centres offer an early education program as well as child care. If your child is not in formal care then pre-schools can help their early learning and development.

Pre-school programs

Pre-schools are often also referred to as kindergartens. These services offer early learning programs for children in the year before they start formal school education.

Pre-school programs are usually play-based educational programs, designed and delivered by a degree-qualified early childhood teacher.

Pre-schools are located at school sites, private pre-school centres, long day care centres or local community venues.

Depending on how your child's pre-school is regulated, you may be eligible for Child Care Benefit. Some long day care centres offer a pre-school program in addition to long day care. If your day care centre offers this then you may claim Child Care Benefit. Please check with your pre-school provider about eligibility for financial assistance.

Information about the location of government pre-schools is available through state and territory government education departments. You can also contact your local council or community organisation to find out about local pre-schools.

ACT

ACT Government - Department of Education and Training

NT

NT Government - Department of Education and Training

NSW

NSW Government - Public Schools Site

QLD

QLD Government - Department of Education and Training

SA

SA Government - Department of Education and Children's Services

TAS

TAS Government - Department of Education

VIC

VIC Government - Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

WA

WA Government - Office of Early Childhood Development and Learning