About the plan
The Victorian Government is expanding kindergarten programs to include 3-year-old kindergarten for all children.
This is a large project that requires cooperation from all councils. The State Government is working with local councils to discuss and agree on a KISP for their area.
The KISPs will help all kindergarten providers meet demand. It will also provide a clear picture of infrastructure need across the State.
Council developed the Knox KISP with the Department of Education and Training.
See the Knox Kindergarten Infrastructure Services Plan
Supply and demand issues
The plan estimates the future demand and supply of 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten in Knox, using:
- forecast population data
- existing local kindergarten capacities
The Knox KISP shows that as kindergarten services expand to include 3-year-old kindergarten programs, local early years facilities will struggle to meet demand. The suburbs most affected are:
- Bayswater
- Boronia
- Scoresby/Knoxfield
- Wantirna
Note: while the KISP identifies the supply issue, it does not address how to resolve this demand.
The KISP may be of interest to investors and kindergartens, who could use it as a planning tool.
About the reform
In an Australian first, the Victorian Government commits to creating 3-year-old kindergarten for all children. This will occur:
- over a 10-year roll-out
- with a total investment of almost $5 billion
- with $1.68 billion to expand infrastructure to support the reform
This reform will add another year of universal funded kindergarten. By 2029, all children in Victoria will have access to 2 years of play-based learning through a funded kindergarten program.
