Establishing pre-schools

An increasing number of independent schools are establishing pre-schools or early learning centres as a service to parents. 

Centres that provide care or education for five or more children under the age of six years in the absence of their parents or guardians are required to be licensed in Victoria. This includes long day care centres, occasional care centres and kindergarten services.

Member Schools considering establishing such services must obtain two publications from the Department of Human Services (DHS):

• Children’s Services Licensing Operational Guide
• Children’s Services Licensee’s Handbook.

Both can be downloaded from the Office for Children’s Early Childhood Services section, on the DHS website and follow the links to: Children’s Services (Child Care and Kindergarten); Information for Operators of Children’s Services.