An extra day to play, learn, connect and enjoy kindergarten.
In 2027, Dr Stanley Cochrane Memorial Kindergarten will offer an optional additional Monday kindergarten program for families who would like their child to attend an extra day. This is in addition to the regular two days of Free Kinder for 3-year-olds and two days of Free Kinder for 4-year-olds.
The Monday program will be a mixed-age group for 3- and 4-year-old children and will provide another opportunity for children to spend time in the familiar surroundings of their kindergarten, with familiar educators, friends and routines.
The additional paid day is designed to complement your child’s existing free kindergarten program. It offers children more time to play, explore, create, build friendships and develop confidence in an environment they already know and enjoy.
For many children, having an extra day in a familiar setting can provide a sense of continuity across the week. It can also give children more opportunities to deepen friendships, become increasingly comfortable with the kindergarten environment and follow their interests through play and exploration.
The program will be play-based and responsive to the interests and developmental needs of the children attending. While the group will include both 3- and 4-year-olds, the program will provide experiences that are appropriate and engaging for children across both age groups.
When: Mondays during Victorian school terms
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Group: Mixed 3- and 4-year-old group
Cost per term (2027):
| Term 1 | 8 February – 25 March | $700 |
| Term 2 | 12 April – 25 June | $1,100 |
| Term 3 | 12 July – 17 September | $1,000 |
| Term 4 | 4 October – 17 December | $1,100 |
Equivalent to approximately $100/week
Payment: The term fee is invoiced and payable prior to the beginning of each term.
Government funding: This is an additional, unfunded program and is not covered by the Victorian Government Free Kinder program.
Child Care Subsidy: The additional Monday program is not eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Public holidays: The Monday program does not operate on Victorian public holidays when the kindergarten is closed.
Why choose the additional day?
The additional Monday program may be a great option for families who:
- would like their child to have more time at kindergarten each week
- value the familiarity and continuity of attending the same kindergarten
- would like their child to spend more time with existing kindergarten friends
- have a child who particularly enjoys kindergarten and would love another day of play and exploration
- would benefit from an additional regular day within the kindergarten environment
- would like their 3-year-old to have more opportunities to become familiar and comfortable with the kindergarten setting and routines
- would like their 4-year-old to have an additional day of social connection, play and learning to prepare them for school.
The Monday program is not intended to replace the funded kindergarten program. It is an optional extra paid day, giving families the opportunity to choose an additional kindergarten experience that works for their child and family. Whether your child is three and still becoming comfortable with kindergarten, or four and looking forward to another year of growing independence, the Monday program provides another day to play, connect and enjoy being part of our kindergarten community.
Places are limited. Enrolments for the additional Monday program will be taken on a first come basis. To apply for a place in our optional Monday program in 2027, please email our Enrolments Officer <enrolments@drstanleycochranekinder.org.au> to register your details.
Upon acceptance of your enrolment, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable $100 deposit to hold your place, which will be put towards your Term 1 Monday program fees. (Please note this is an additional deposit that is separate to the $100 deposit that holds your child’s Free Kinder program place. The Free Kinder $100 deposit will be refunded upon successful commencement in the 2-day per week Free Kinder program after the government census date.)
All children enrolling in the additional Monday program must be 3 years of age by 30th of April in the year they start. In line with Regulations, a child cannot commence at the service until they have turned 3 years old.
Dr Stanley Cochrane Memorial Kindergarten 