The ECMS difference
Some of our centres offer kinder plus childcare, for kinder-aged children needing longer hours of care. Look in Find a Centre for centres offering both services.
Our programs follow the Government’s education framework to promote literacy, numeracy, and social and physical development.
Learning through play
Our centres create a positive and relaxed environment to enourage play. During play, children learn life skills such as emotional regulation, relationship building, problem solving, empathy and resilience.
Life at our kindergartens
Spaces to learn and explore
Our indoor and outdoor learning spaces are designed to capture children’s imagination and encourage them as thinkers, makers and doers.
Place-based learning
We encourage children to engage with their local surroundings and connect with the wider world, to build a sense of belonging, identity and purpose.
Strong, safe relationships
We promote partnerships between families, children and educators. We support families to promote their child’s learning, development and wellbeing.
Kindergarten, childcare or both?
In Victoria, children may attend free kinder at ages 3 and 4, and childcare from birth to 5.
Some ECMS centres offer both kinder and childcare (‘integrated kinder’). To see what your local centre offers, go to Find a Centre.
Enrolment process
Step 1: Find a kindergarten
Go to Find a Centre and find a local kindergarten. Some centres offer integrated kinder (look for kinder + childcare). View session times and other information on their page.
Step 2: Register your child
When you’ve found a kindergarten, follow the instructions on their page (each centre has its own enrolment process) to register your interest. You will then be sent an offer.
Step 3: Complete the enrolment form
Accept your offer by completing the enrolment form. Our team will confirm your child’s details, and your kinder will reach out with further information about the centre and your child’s first day.
Find a centre near you
Enquiries
Questions about enrolling? Get in touch with our team.
Frequently asked questions
All 3 and 4-year-old children living in Victoria are eligible for free kinder in standalone (sessional) services and long day care (childcare) settings.
Each centre has a unique enrolment process and session times. See ‘Enrolment process’ above or go straight to Find a Centre.
If you need longer hours of care, you may register at one of our centres offering long-day kindergarten sessions. Look for centres offering both kindergarten and childcare in Find a Centre.
No. If your child turns 3 between the start of term and 30 April, you can accept a place, but they will not be able to attend until they turn 3.
ECMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live, learn, work and play. Aboriginal people have a long tradition of teaching and learning through sharing their connections with country, community, language and culture. We recognise their continuing connection to the country, and we pay respects to elders past and present.