About Early Learning Victoria

Early Learning Victoria

Early Learning Victoria is a Victorian government organisation committed to providing high-quality early childhood education and care that is child-centred, focused on learning through play, with strong connections to nature and local communities.

• Child-centred approach - We will offer high-quality early childhood environments that support all children’s learning and development needs, embracing each child’s unique strengths, abilities and interests.
• Quality educational programs - Our educational programs will provide rich learning opportunities where children learn through play, connect with nature and enjoy positive relationships with educators and teachers. Our practices will be evidence-informed and based on contemporary research, ensuring children thrive.
• Inclusive, integrated and connected - Our centres will be inclusive, integrated and connected to the local community. Many of the centres will be co-located with schools, and include other community services to support collaborative relationships, encourage continuity of learning and support all Victorian children seamlessly through their educational journey.

Initiatives of Early Learning Victoria

Early Learning Victoria will establish 50 early learning and childcare centres by 2032 as part of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reforms to improve access to early education and care. Early Learning Victoria will open the first 4 centres in 2025. From 2026, 18 centres will collectively deliver more than 1,800 licensed places for local children and families. Another 12 centres will open in sites across Victoria throughout 2027 and 2028. The remaining centres will open between 2029-2032.

This initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s $14 billion commitment to expand kindergarten programs and give children the best start in life across Victoria.

Benefits of the new centres

Our centres will provide long day care along with integrated kinder programs. This model will provide flexibility for parents while providing children with enriching learning experiences.

We will offer Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs. Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs will gradually transition to Pre-Prep in line with the roll-out schedule.

Centres will be situated in areas that need them the most and co-located with schools wherever possible.

Integrated kindergarten programs

Our centres will provide integrated kindergarten in a long day care setting. This means that children will receive an approved kindergarten program delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher. This will provide flexibility across the week to support the varied needs of families, enabling drop-off and pick-up during the centre's opening hours.

To learn more about available government fee assistance, visit the Paying fees page.