What’s the difference between kindergarten, preschool and Pre-Prep?
Kinder, kindy, kindergarten, preschool, Pre-Prep... just when you think you’ve got the childcare terminology sorted, along comes a whole new set of names. In Australia, kindergarten and preschool can mean different things depending on where you live.
In most states and territories, these terms describe a play-based early learning program children attend before starting primary school. But the name of the program, and even the name of the first year of school, varies around the country.
Are kindergarten and preschool the same thing?
Often, yes - they can be different names for a similar stage of early learning before school. For example:
- in Victoria, families usually talk about kindergarten or “kinder”
- in New South Wales and the ACT, you’re more likely to hear preschool
- in Queensland, it’s usually kindergarten or “kindy”
- in South Australia, both preschool and kindergarten are used.
The tricky part is that in NSW and the ACT, Kindergarten is actually the first year of primary school, while in places such as Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, kindergarten refers to learning that happens before the first compulsory year of school.
So if you’ve moved interstate – or you’re comparing notes with a friend who lives somewhere else – you may be talking about essentially the same stage of your children’s education while using completely different names.
What names do Australian states and territories use for early learning programs?
State or territory | Program before the first year of school | First year of primary school |
| New South Wales | Preschool | Kindergarten |
| Victoria | Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, followed by Four-Year-Old Kindergarten / Pre-Prep as it rolls out | Prep |
| Queensland | Kindergarten / Kindy | Prep |
| Western Australia | Kindergarten | Pre-primary |
| South Australia | Preschool / Kindergarten | Reception |
| Tasmania | Kindergarten | Prep |
| Australian Capital Territory | Preschool | Kindergarten |
| Northern Territory | Preschool | Transition |
What is Pre-Prep in Victoria?
This is where Victorian families have a new term to learn. Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is gradually becoming Pre-Prep. Pre-Prep began rolling out in selected Victorian areas in 2025 and is expanding gradually across the state. Rather than being a completely different type of program, Pre-Prep is an expansion of Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, giving children more funded hours of play-based early learning in the year before school.
In 2026, Pre-Prep is available in additional regional areas and to some priority groups across Victoria. Depending on eligibility and location, children may receive more than the traditional 15 hours of Four-Year-Old Kindergarten each week. The rollout will continue over coming years, with Pre-Prep ultimately expanding to all Victorian children in the year before school.
Three-Year-Old Kindergarten continues to be the funded program before this. So, for Victorian families, the pathway is increasingly becoming: Three-Year-Old Kindergarten → Pre-Prep → Prep. During the transition, however, you will still see both Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep used.
Does my child have to attend a standalone kindergarten or preschool?
No - this is another part that can cause confusion. A kindergarten or preschool program is not necessarily the same thing as a kindergarten or preschool service. Depending on where you live, funded early learning programs may be offered through:
- a standalone or sessional kindergarten
- a preschool
- a long day care centre
- some schools or other approved early learning settings.
For example, Queensland Government-approved kindergarten programs can be delivered through kindergarten services or long day care services, while Victoria's Pre-Prep will be delivered through both sessional kindergartens and long day care centres. That means your child might attend the same long day care centre they have been going to for years, while also participating in its kindergarten or preschool program.
Is kindergarten or preschool the same as childcare?
Not exactly. Childcare describes the care setting, while kindergarten or preschool usually describes an early learning program. A long day care centre might provide care from early morning until evening and include a kindergarten or preschool program within the day. A standalone kindergarten or preschool may operate for shorter or sessional hours. Both can provide an approved early learning program.
Does the name of the program affect its quality?
No. Being called kindergarten, preschool, kindy or Pre-Prep doesn’t automatically tell you how good a program is. Instead, look at what actually happens within the program:
- Is learning play-based?
- Are educators warm, engaged and responsive?
- Who delivers the program?
- How are children’s interests used to guide learning?
- How does the service communicate with families?
- Do children appear comfortable, busy and engaged?
The terminology helps you work out which program your child is eligible for. It doesn’t tell you whether that particular program will be the right fit for your child.
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