Kinder Programs
We believe that every family and every child is unique. That’s why we offer families the choice between Sessional Kindergarten and Long Day Care Kindergarten, both delivering the same high standard of teaching, care, and play-based learning, led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.
Whether you’re looking for a completely free sessional program or the flexibility of long day care, you can choose the option that best fits your family’s routine, values, and needs.
Both options are Victorian Government funded kindergarten programs.
Our sessional kindergarten program is completely free, funded by the Victorian Government and delivered during school terms.
Option 1: Sessional Kindergarten
(No Cost to Families!)
Program times
- 3-Year-Old Kinder: Monday & Wednesday, 9:00am – 4:30pm
- 4-Year-Old Kinder: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00am – 4:30pm
What families love
✔️ No fees — completely free
✔️ No Child Care Subsidy required
✔️ Play-based learning led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers
✔️ Structured kindergarten days that prepare children for school
✔️ Families provide a lunchbox — we take care of the rest
Option 2: Long Day Care Kindergarten
Flexible Care for Busy Families
Program details
- Hours: 6:30am – 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Kinder sessions are delivered as part of the day
- Ideal for families balancing work and care needs
What families receive
✔️ Qualified Early Childhood Teachers delivering the kindergarten program
✔️ Chef-prepared meals provided daily
✔️ Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for eligible families
✔️ Victorian Government Free Kindergarten Offset applied to fees
FREE Kindergarten Offset Payments
FREE Kindergarten Offset Payments
For families entitled to the Free Kindergarten Offset, funding is applied weekly during kindergarten terms, in line with Victorian Government requirements.
How the weekly offset works
- The total annual Free Kindergarten Offset is calculated based on your child’s approved kindergarten enrolment
- This amount is divided evenly across 40 funded kindergarten weeks
- A weekly credit is applied to your account for each funded week
- No offset is applied during term breaks or school holidays
Worked Example
If a family is entitled to a total annual Free Kindergarten Offset of $2,101:
- $2,101 ÷ 40 funded weeks = $52.53 per week
- $52.53 is applied as a credit each funded week
- This continues until the full $2,101 has been applied across the year
What you will see on your statement:
- Weekly kindergarten fee
- Victorian Government Free Kinder Offset
- Net fee payable (if any)
Important notes
- The offset is applied only during funded kindergarten weeks
- If enrolment or attendance patterns change, the weekly offset may be adjusted in line with Department requirements
- The Free Kindergarten Offset cannot be carried over beyond the funded period
If you have any questions about your eligibility or how the credit appears on your statement, our team is always happy to help.
Why is Kindergarten Important?
A strong foundation for school and life
Kindergarten is a vital stepping stone in your child’s learning journey. In the two years before school, children develop confidence, curiosity, and essential life skills through play-based learning.
Our Teachers design programs that nurture each child’s interests while supporting emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Skills for School
Our 4-Year-Old School Readiness Program
Our 4-Year-Old Kindergarten includes a dedicated School Readiness Program, designed to support a confident and positive transition to school.
Developed in line with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, the program focuses on:
- Emotional confidence and resilience
- Social connections and friendships
- Early literacy and numeracy foundations
- Physical wellbeing and independence
Programs are thoughtfully curated in collaboration with educators, local schools, and education specialists.
What Will Your Child Learn?
At Happy Hippo, learning is shaped by each child’s strengths, interests, and family values.
- Emotional Confidence: Understanding emotions, building resilience, and developing self-belief
- Social Connectivity: Forming friendships and positive relationships
- Foundational Learning: Early literacy, numeracy, creative thinking, and problem-solving
- Health & Wellbeing: Physical skills, self-care, and healthy living habits
We’re committed to nurturing confident, capable learners who are excited about their educational journey.
