A Parent’s Guide to Sessional and Integrated Kindergarten in Victoria
Sessional vs Integrated Kindergarten: What’s the Difference?
Choosing the right kindergarten program for your child is an important decision. In Victoria, families generally have two options for funded kindergarten: sessional kindergarten or integrated kindergarten. Both provide a play-based early learning program led by qualified teachers, but they differ in structure, hours, funding and inclusions. This guide explains the differences in clear, family-friendly terms.
What is Sessional Kindergarten?
Sessional kindergarten runs for up to 15 hours per week, usually across fixed sessions on certain days (e.g. three 5-hour sessions). It follows school terms and does not operate during holidays. This program is fully funded by the Victorian Government under the Free Kinder initiative, so families pay no out-of-pocket fees.
Because it is not a long day care service, sessional kinder does not use the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This makes it especially suitable for families who are not eligible for CCS, such as temporary residents.
Parents provide meals and are responsible for drop-off/pick-up at set times. No nappies, meals, or full-day care are included.
What is Integrated Kindergarten?
Integrated kindergarten is delivered within a long day care service, where children receive the same funded kinder program from a qualified teacher, but with extended hours and care. This makes it ideal for working families.
It typically runs 5 days a week, year-round (up to 50 weeks), and includes meals, nappies, and all-day care. Families pay a daily fee, but can receive support through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
In addition to CCS, integrated kindergarten programs at Billy-beet also benefit from the Free Kinder initiative, which is applied after CCS as a $50 weekly reduction to your gap fee. This often results in families having a very low or even no out-of-pocket cost for their child’s kindergarten program.
Integrated kinder is best for families needing flexibility, longer hours, or wraparound care.
Sessional vs Integrated: Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Sessional Kindergarten | Integrated Kindergarten |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Up to 15 hours/week, fixed sessions | Full-day care with kinder built in |
| CCS Eligibility | Not eligible / Not needed | Eligible (if you meet CCS criteria) |
| Inclusions | No meals or nappies included | Includes meals, nappies, snacks |
| Cost | Free under Free Kinder (Vic Gov) | Fees apply, Free Kinder credit + CCS may reduce costs |
| Best For | Families not needing full-day care or not eligible for CCS | Working families needing full-day care |
Where Is It Available?
- Billy-beet Melton West offers both sessional and integrated kindergarten.
- Billy-beet Epping offers both sessional and integrated kindergarten.
- Billy-beet Melton Creekside offers integrated kinder now, and will offer sessional kindergarten soon.
Still Not Sure Which One Is Right?
It depends on your family’s needs. Sessional is great if you don’t need full-day care or CCS. Integrated is ideal if you need longer hours or convenience. Either way, your child receives a quality kindergarten program led by qualified teachers.
For more information, visit these official sites:
- Victorian Government: Funded Kindergarten Programs
- Victorian Department of Education: Kindergarten Programs
Need help deciding? Contact our team or call us on 1300-KINDER. We’ll help you find the right option for your family.
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