While terms like early learning centre, childcare, preschool and kindergarten may sound similar, their meaning vary depending on where you live.
In Victoria, both early learning centres and kindergarten programs support children’s development before they start school, guided by different frameworks. Early learning settings follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), while kindergarten programs are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).
In some centres, they can even exist under the same roof. Long day care centres like Village Early Education offer both early learning childcare and kindergarten programs within the same environment.
Even so, there are a few important differences. These usually relate to the age of the children, the structure of the program and the hours offered.
What are the key differences?
| ELCs (Long Day Care) | Kindergarten | |
| Ages | 6 weeks to 6 years | 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten programs |
| Focus | Play-based learning across all stages of early development | Play-based learning with a stronger focus on school readiness |
| Hours | Full-day care, typically aligned with working hours | Set session times, depending on the service type |
| Structure | Continuous care and learning in one setting | Delivered as integrated kinder or standalone sessions |
| Funding | Child Care Subsidy (CCS) | Funded kindergarten (Free Kinder in VIC) |
What are early learning centres?
An early learning centre is a type of childcare service, often referred to as long day care or an early learning childcare centre. These centres provide care and education for children from infancy through to school age, offering long day care that fits around family routines. For kindergarten-aged children, families may choose an integrated kinder program within long day care or attend a standalone kindergarten service on certain days.
Early learning centres focus on learning through play and discovery. Educators design experiences that encourage curiosity, imagination and social interaction. Through these activities, children build important foundations such as communication skills, independence and emotional confidence. These experiences also contribute to key childcare learning outcomes that prepare children for later learning.
If you would like to learn more, this guide explains how ELCs are different and why many families prefer this type of environment for their children.
What is kindergarten?
Kindergarten focuses on providing safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate early learning experiences that support children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth, including more structured curriculum-based learning and school readiness.
Children in Victoria have the opportunity to participate in the kindergarten program for two years before they enter school. This includes Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten. Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is being transitioned to Pre-Prep as part of the expansion of the Victorian Government’s early learning program.
The program is delivered by qualified early childhood teachers. The program builds on children’s confidence, independence and early learning skills, introducing more structured experiences while still supporting learning through play.
Kindergarten programs are usually delivered in one of two ways:
Standalone (sessional) kindergarten
Standalone kindergarten services run only during scheduled session times. These programs often operate during school hours and may follow the school term calendar. Children usually attend a few days each week rather than full days.
Integrated kindergarten
Integrated kindergarten programs are delivered within a long day care environment. Children attend their kindergarten program as part of their day at an early learning childcare centre. This allows learning to happen within a familiar setting and alongside extended care hours.
Why choose an integrated kindergarten childcare centre
Families tend to explore the most suitable kinds of environment for their child to learn best by considering both standalone kindergartens as well as those that provide integrated childcare services.
Standalone kindergarten can work well for families who only need the learning program hours. It may also suit parents with flexible work schedules who can manage shorter daily sessions.
Meanwhile, integrated kindergarten programs within early learning centres offer several practical benefits. Children can continue their learning process with the same group of familiar faces and friends they made during their previous childcare experiences.
Integrated centres can also be beneficial for families. Siblings can go to the same early learning childcare centre, making it easier for parents to manage drop-offs and pick-ups. It is also easier for children to settle into their learning environment when they are able to maintain their routine.
Another advantage is flexibility. Early learning childcare centres usually offer longer hours and different attendance options, including casual days or full-time care.
Village Early Education operates early learning centres across Victoria, providing long day care and integrated kindergarten programs for local families.
Our centres combine nurturing environments with passionate educators and thoughtfully designed learning spaces. Through play-based programs and strong early education foundations, we help children grow with confidence as they prepare for their school years.
If you are exploring early learning options for your child, you can learn more about our Victoria-based childcare centres by booking a tour with us to see how our programs support children from their earliest years through kindergarten.
