Fees and Benefits

Funded kindergarten

The provision of kindergarten programs is partly funded by the State Government with the balance of funds required coming from fees paid by families.

3 Year Old Kindergarten may be subsidised by the State Government for some or all of the total program hours. This is part of the planned state-wide 3 Year Old funded kindergarten roll out.

Y Kinders EYM sets the​ fees as part of the budgeting process each year. Our Fees Policy is here

Fees

Important information for securing your child’s place

It is important to note that where families have received a Fee Agreement Form, this form must be submitted within the indicated time to secure their child’s place.

Payment Options

There are two payment options for 2022 fees.

  • 9 monthly instalments: Pay fees over 9 monthly instalments by Direct Debit. 
  • Full fee payment: Paid directly through the Pay Now option on Hubworks or by Direct Debit

Benefits

For children who meet the criteria, the following assistance with fees is available:

  • Kindergarten Fee Subsidy (both 3 year old kindergarten and 4 year old kindergarten). More information.
  • Early Start Kindergarten (3 year old kindergarten). More information.
  • ECEF (Early Childhood Education Foundation) Subsidy (4 year old kindergarten only). More information.

Kindergarten Fee Subsidy 

Families whose child is attending a funded Kindergarten Program (either 3 year old program in some areas or 4-5 year old program) who are eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy, will not be required to pay fees for this program.

Kindergarten is free for some families:

  • If your child identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • If your child is identified on their birth certificate as being a multiple birth child (triplets or more)
  • If your child is known to Child Protection or Child FIRST

OR if you or your child holds one of the following; Kindergarten Fee Subsidy (KFS) is available:

  • Commonwealth Health Care Card
  • Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
  • Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card or White Card
  • Refugee or Asylum Seeker Visa
  • Bridging Visas for any of the above refugee or Asylum Seeker Visas

If your three year old child is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islan​der or has been supported by Child Protection or Child FIRST, they may be eligible for up to 15 hours of a free or low cost kindergarten program if there are places available.

A copy of your concession card must be attached to your child’s enrolment application. If you receive a concession card after your child commences, please email the copy to enrolments@yballarat.org.au.

Early Start Kindergarten

Early Start Kindergarten is available for eligible three year old children who identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or whose family are known to Child Protection. More details are here.

Early Childhood Education Foundation fee support

Families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible to obtain assistance with funded Kindergarten fees, from the Early Childhood Education Foundation (ECEF). In just over 17 years, the ECEF has provided more than $125,000 in kindergarten fee support to nearly 200 families.

An application form can be completed with assistance from the kindergarten staff and is assessed based on eligibility criteria. Funds will be allocated to the Kindergarten service if approved.

For more information regarding the Early Childhood Education Foundation and the eligibility criteria please see the information sheet or phone 03 9489 3500 or 1300 730 119.


The Y acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and future.

View our full Commitment Statements here .

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