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Our Kindergarten

Children that attend a 3 or 4-year-old Kindergarten will receive a saving of up to $2,101 in fees for the year. Speak to one of our management team at Cheeky Clouds to find out more. Enrolments for our childcare in Tarneit are now open for 2026.

Why Kindergarten Matters at Cheeky Clouds 

Kindergarten is an important milestone in a child’s growth and development. At Cheeky Clouds, we believe a child’s learning is guided by their natural curiosity and the support of their family. Attending kindergarten nurtures your child’s health and wellbeing, strengthens social skills, and inspires a lifelong love of learning. 

Children who attend kindergarten are often more independent, confident, and well-prepared for a smooth transition into primary school. Our programs focus on nurturing your child’s learning across a wide range of areas, including social and emotional skills, language and communication, early literacy and numeracy, self-awareness, respect for others, and curiosity about the world around them. 

At Cheeky Clouds, our high-quality kindergarten programs provide engaging and fun experiences that spark your child’s curiosity and encourage exploration. Through hands-on activities, children can explore the natural world, encounter new ideas, and develop essential lifelong skills. 

Cheeky Clouds is inclusive of all children. If your child has additional learning needs or a disability, our educators work closely with families to ensure every child is supported and can thrive in a safe, welcoming environment. 

Your Child Will Have the Opportunity To 

At Cheeky Clouds, your child will have the opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. They will: 

  • Build social and communication skills by forming friendships, participating in group activities, and enjoying cooperative play 
  • Develop emotional confidence by exploring their identity, understanding and expressing emotions, building resilience, and gaining the confidence to embrace new learning experiences and school routines 
  • Grow independence and a strong sense of identity, culture, and community 
  • Develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills and strengthen creative thinking and problem-solving abilities 
  • Enhance physical health and wellbeing through healthy habits, self-care practices, and coordination skills, empowering them to confidently participate in playground activities and daily routines 
  • Connect with nature through bush and beach kindergarten sessions, fostering curiosity, care for the environment, and hands-on learning 

 

 

 

When Can My Child Attend Kindergarten? 

In Victoria, children can attend kindergarten in the years before they start primary school (Prep/Foundation). Most children attend two years of kindergarten: 

  • Three-Year-Old Kindergarten: Children can start in the year they turn three by 30 April of that year. 
  • Four-Year-Old Kindergarten: Children attend in the year before they start school, when they turn four by 30 April. 

These two years are government funded through Free Kinder, helping all children access high-quality early learning. Kindergarten attendance is strongly encouraged, as it supports children’s confidence, learning, wellbeing, and readiness for school. 

Free Kinder 

What is it? 

The Victorian Government offers funding to provide families up to 15 hours of free Kindergarten a week. This subsidy is in addition to the CCS and can help reduce out-of-pocket fees, allowing families to maximise the amount of time children can spend in care in the two years before school.  

 

Who can get it? 

All children who are enrolled in a Government approved Three and Four year old Kindergarten program are eligible to receive the fee offset. Children must attend the centre for at least 15 hours a week across a minimum of two days to be eligible.  

 

How does it work? 

The funding is allocated as a credit to reduce families out of pocket fees (after CCS has been applied) and is applied across 40 weeks of the year. This will show on your statement as Victorian Free Kinder Subsidy as is applied throughout the Kinder terms.  

 

3-year-old children save up to $2,101 (15 hours)  

4-year-old children save up-to $2,101 (15 hours)  

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and children from other priority groups may be eligible for up-to 25 hours of Free Kindergarten a week in all centres in Victoria.  

 

How do I get it? 

Only one service can receive the funding, so families must provide this by completing and signing a declaration form and returning it to our Centre Manager. This confirms that our service is their funded Kindergarten program. This form is then submitted to the Department of Education on their behalf, which will allow us to receive the subsidy for their fees. 

 

Pre Prep Roll Out 

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is becoming Pre Prep, starting with priority cohort children across Victoria in 2026. There is no difference between the program offered for Four-Year-Old kindergarten and Pre Prep. Pre Prep provides your child with more hours to learn, play and socialise. 

Does your child meet the Pre Prep eligibility? 

Children who meet the follow criteria are able to access 25 hours of Government Funder Kinder, children who: 

  • identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 
  • are from a refugee or asylum seeker background 
  • who have had contact with Child Protection services 

Want to know more about the Government Free Kinder Subsidy or Pre Prep?  

For more information: https://www.vic.gov.au/kinder-quick-guide-parents#free-kinder