Kindergarten
Program

Yes! The Fern Early Learning Centre is part of the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder program, which provides a $2,100 subsidy per year for children in Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kinder. This funding is automatically applied to reduce your fees, making high-quality early childhood education more affordable for families.

Our Kinder Program offers a minimum of 15 hours per week, led by qualified early childhood teachers in a structured, play-based environment. Since The Fern operates as a long day care centre, families can access extended care beyond the funded hours to suit their needs.

At The Fern Early Learning Centre, we go beyond the basics of early childhood education by offering:

• A structured, play-based curriculum aligned with the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum
• Regular incursions to enhance learning experiences, including music, cultural workshops, sustainability programs, and more
• A tight-knit community where children feel secure, supported, and confident to explore and learn
• Nutritious, chef-prepared meals provided daily

The $2,100 Free Kinder subsidy reduces the cost of your child’s education. If your child attends more than the 15 hours per week covered by the subsidy, additional fees may apply. However, families may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), which can further lower out-of-pocket costs.

The subsidy is spread across the year and appears as a ‘Victorian Government Free Kinder offset’ on your invoices. This means parents at The Fern Early Learning Centre receive maximum financial support while accessing a high-quality kindergarten program.

To enrol in:

• Three-Year-Old Kinder, your child must turn three by 30 April of the attending year.
• Four-Year-Old Kinder, your child must turn four by 30 April of the attending year.

We encourage early enrolment as spots fill up quickly.

Our program is designed to build school readiness by developing:

• Early literacy and numeracy skills through engaging, hands-on learning
• Social and emotional confidence to navigate friendships and structured learning environments
• A love for learning through our inquiry-based approach, regular incursions, and hands-on experiences

By the time children graduate from The Fern, they are confident, curious, and prepared for a smooth transition to primary school.

Yes! The Fern is a long day care centre, meaning families can book additional hours beyond the 15-hour funded Kinder Program. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can help reduce fees for these extra hours, making flexible care more affordable.

Yes! The Fern provides freshly prepared, nutritious meals and snacks each day, catering to all dietary needs. We promote healthy eating habits and provide a variety of balanced meals to support your child’s growth and development.

Enrolling at The Fern Early Learning Centre is simple! To secure your child’s place:

• Call your nearest Fern centre – our friendly team will guide you through the process
• Visit our website to book a tour and experience our engaging learning environment firsthand
• Enrol early – spots fill fast, so we recommend securing your child’s place as soon as possible