During the next few years, changes affecting our Meli Kindergarten network will roll out as part of the Victorian Government’s “Best Start, Best Life” Kindergarten reforms.
The intent of this reform is to:
- transform early childhood education
- provide the best start for children
- support families with cost-of-living pressures
- help parents get back to work and study if they choose.
What this means for you:
Currently, all children enrolled in a 4-year-old kindergarten program receive 15 hours of free kindergarten at Meli Services.
In 2026, across the state, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from a refugee or asylum seeker background, and children who have had contact with Child Protection services will be eligible to access additional funded hours of Kindergarten.
The number of additional hours on offer will vary at each Meli service to align with Kindergarten service delivery requirements and community demand. Meli are working with the Department of Education and other local Kindergarten providers to ensure that every child is able to access a Kindergarten place.
The increase in hours does not apply to 3-Year old Kindergarten places in 2026.
What happens next:
Meli are seeking feedback from the community to support our planning for 2026.
This survey is open to all of our community, a link will be provided to currently enrolled 3-year old families and families who have registered interest for a place in 2026.
As a result of this reform, there will be some changes to our registration process for 2026. More information about these changes will be published on this website and families currently registered for a place in 2026 will be notified of these changes over the coming weeks.
More information:
This reform is rolling out in stages between now and 2036. The above information relates to changes occurring from 2026. For more information on the Best Start Best Life reforms, including a full roll out timeline, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/best-start-best-life-reforms
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