Preschool in your state

Preschool: the basics

• Preschools offer group-based programs for children of three and four years of age that are sessional and part-time.
• Participation in preschool is by parental choice.
• Preschool isn’t a pre-year one program (‘year one’ is called kindergarten, preparatory, reception or pre-primary across the different states, and are usually for for children aged five or six).
• Preschool programs are sponsored by state or education departments and community organisations. They are also run as part of private or community-based child care centres.

Across Australian states and territories

Australian Capital Territory

• Known as preschool.
• Operate close to, or on, school sites. In newer areas, are often run next to child care centres.
• No fees, with a voluntary contribution levy.

New South Wales

• Known as preschool.
• Mostly independent, with fees of about $60 per week.
• Some school-based, fee-free preschools are run by the Department of Education.
• Flexible hours offered for working parents at some preschools.

Northern Territory

• Known as preschool.
• Run by the Department of Employment, Education and Training.
• No fees.
• Flexibility in hours for working parents.
• Buses to preschool provided.

Queensland

• Known as kindergarten.
• Fees apply – set by the provider.
• Operate as either stand-alone kindergarten services (for example, community kindergartens and services delivered by non-state schools), or as long-day care centres.
• Many operate close to, or on, school sites.

South Australia

• Known as child parent centres or kindergarten.
• Child parent centres operate within schools; kindergartens operate independently.
• No fees, but some kindergartens ask for a voluntary contribution levy.
• Opportunity for Indigenous children to access extra hours.

Tasmania

• Known as kindergarten.
• No fees.
• Linked to school system.

Victoria

• Known as preschool and kindergarten.
• The majority are run as stand-alone centres.
• Fees charged.
• Managed by parent committees.
• Some preschool programs offered in long-day care centres; these are required to be run by qualified kindergarten teachers if they’re government funded.
• Mobile preschools in remote areas.
• State government transitionary initiative.

Western Australia

• Known as kindergarten.
• Operate within schools, day care centres and as independent centres.
• Bus services offered.
• No fees.

• Rated7 ratingsRate this item
• FeedbackTell us what you think of this item
• Your story Share your parenting tips