Tasmanian Kindergarten and Working Together
This page is a direct rule-based guide for AU_TAS_KINDERGARTEN (rule version 2025-26, effective 1 July 2025). It explains Tasmanian Kindergarten and the Working Together program, which provide free early learning hours for young children.
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Quick Answer
You may qualify if you live in Tasmania and have a child of kindergarten or pre-kindergarten age. Kindergarten offers free early learning for four-year-olds, and Working Together offers free hours for eligible three-year-olds.
It produces no cash payment - the value is the free early learning hours. It is reached when state = TAS, dependent_children = true, and child_age <= 5.
Outcome summary: 15 hours of free kindergarten a week for four-year-olds, plus up to 20 free hours a week of early learning for eligible three-year-olds under Working Together.
What Is This Payment?
Quality early learning in the years before school helps children develop and prepares them for primary school. Tasmania funds free kindergarten for four-year-olds, and the Working Together program extends free early learning to eligible three-year-olds.
The rule database tags this as a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. The benefit is the free early learning hours rather than a cash payment, so it is described in terms of the hours provided.
Kindergarten in Tasmania runs in government and non-government schools, while Working Together places eligible three-year-olds with participating early learning services for free hours each week.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none. There is no direct cash payment; the value is the free early learning hours your child receives.
- 15 hours a week of free kindergarten for four-year-olds.
- Up to 20 hours a week of free early learning for eligible three-year-olds under Working Together.
- Delivered through schools and early learning services, with no fee for the kindergarten or Working Together hours.
Eligibility Conditions
The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.
- Tasmanian resident:
state = TAS. The programs are run by the Department for Education, Children and Young People. - Has a dependent child:
dependent_children = true. You must be caring for a child. - Child of early-learning age:
child_age <= 5. Kindergarten is for four-year-olds and Working Together for eligible three-year-olds, within the early-childhood age range.
Kindergarten places are tied to the year a child turns four, so the exact start year depends on your child's birth date - check the kindergarten age cut-off for the enrolment year.
Working Together has its own participating services and eligibility for three-year-olds, so contact a participating service to confirm a free place for your child.
How To Apply
The application channel is online. No formal evidence list is set in the rule, but you will need your child's details to enrol.
- Enrol your four-year-old in kindergarten at your chosen school online.
- For a three-year-old, contact a participating Working Together service about a free place.
- Confirm the start year against the kindergarten age cut-off for your child.
Rule-Based Scenarios
Scenario 1: enrolling a four-year-old in kindergarten
The Nguyen family enrols their four-year-old daughter in kindergarten at their local school, where she attends 15 free hours a week.
Scenario 2: a three-year-old in Working Together
Emma's son is three and attends a participating Working Together service for up to 20 free hours of early learning a week.
Scenario 3: checking the age cut-off
The Patels are not sure if their child is old enough for kindergarten next year, so they check the kindergarten age cut-off before enrolling.
Scenario 4: a five-year-old starting school
The Browns' child has turned five and is starting Prep at school, so kindergarten no longer applies but the early-learning years have prepared them well.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming it is a cash payment: the benefit is free early learning hours, not money paid to you.
- Missing the kindergarten age cut-off: the start year depends on your child's birth date, so check the cut-off for the enrolment year.
- Confusing kindergarten with Working Together: kindergarten is for four-year-olds; Working Together is the free program for eligible three-year-olds.
- Not using a participating service for Working Together: free three-year-old hours are offered through participating services, so confirm before enrolling.
- Leaving enrolment too late: enrol online in good time to secure a place for your child.
- Overlooking it because of childcare: kindergarten and Working Together are separate from the federal Child Care Subsidy, so you may benefit from both.
Related Benefits
- TAS Fee-Free TAFE - free vocational training at TasTAFE.
- TAS Adult Education Course Concession - reduced fees on adult education courses.
- TAS Public Transport Concession - reduced fares for eligible Tasmanians.
- TAS Ticket to Play - vouchers towards sport for eligible children.
- Child Care Subsidy - federal help with the cost of approved child care.
- Family Tax Benefit Part A - federal payment for families with children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kindergarten free in Tasmania?
Yes. Four-year-olds receive 15 hours a week of free kindergarten, with no tuition fee for those hours.
What is Working Together?
Working Together provides up to 20 free hours a week of early learning for eligible three-year-olds at participating services.
Who is eligible?
Tasmanian families with a child of kindergarten age (four) or an eligible three-year-old.
Is it a cash payment?
No. The benefit is free early learning hours, not money paid to you.
How do I enrol?
Enrol your four-year-old in kindergarten online, and contact a participating service for a three-year-old Working Together place.
Does it replace the Child Care Subsidy?
No. Kindergarten and Working Together are separate state programs, so families may use both these and the federal Child Care Subsidy.
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