VICTORIA’S Pre-Prep rollout is continuing in 2026 and Loddon is next in line.
Enrolments have opened for the new program and a pre-prep information booth will be at the Inglewood IGA on May 25.
The Education Department said an extended four-year-old kinder program would give children extra time to learn before they start school.
“Led by qualified teachers, Pre-Prep provides more hours of quality play-based learning to children in their four-year-old kinder program,” the department said.
From 2026, eligible children in Loddon can access between 16 and 20 hours of kindergarten each week – up from 15 hours.
“More hours means more learning through play. Studies show that more time at kindergarten can make a significant difference to a child’s cognitive, social and emotional outcomes, including how they manage their feelings and relate to others,” the department said. 
“Free Kinder is available for Pre-Prep programs at both sessional kinders and long day care centres. Families with children enrolled in a kindergarten program at a long day care service receive a fee offset.”
Pre-Prep is also commencing in the local government areas of Benalla, Buloke, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Horsham, Mansfield, Mitchell, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
“The staged roll-out prioritises regional areas before expanding across the state. This phased approach allows time to grow the workforce and build the infrastructure required to support the local kindergarten services teaching the next generation,” according to the department.
“From 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from a refugee or asylum-seeker background, and those who have had contact with Child Protection will also have access to up to 25 hours of Pre-Prep each week, no matter where they live.”
Enrolments are now open via council’s Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme for Pre-Prep – an extended Four-Year-Old.
Information is also available at vic.gov.au/pre-prep