Parenting in Victoria
School starting age, preschool, child health checks and term dates for families in Victoria.
- First year of school
- Prep
- Turn 5 by
- 30 April
- Child health record
- Green Book
Starting school
In Victoria, children who turn 5 by 30 April can usually start Prep that year. Families of children born close to the cut-off can often choose to start a year later.
The year before school
Free Kinder for three- and four-year-olds at participating services. Check current details with the education department.
Child health checks
Your baby’s My Health, Learning and Development record (the Green Book) records growth, checks and immunisations. Maternal and Child Health nurses provide free checks from birth to school age.
Car seats
Child restraint laws are consistent across Australia: rearward facing under 6 months, a harnessed seat to 4 years, and a harnessed seat or booster from 4 to 7 years.
Payments
Parental Leave Pay, Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit are national and managed by Services Australia.
School term dates · Education department
Common questions
What age do children start school in VIC?
Children who turn 5 by 30 April can usually start Prep that year.
What is the child health record called in VIC?
It is the My Health, Learning and Development record (the Green Book), given to you after your baby is born.