Post updated September 2026
Deciding when your child should start school is one of those choices that can feel bigger than it should. Is one year of kindergarten or preschool enough? Would a second year help them settle in with more confidence? For many Australian families, the answer increasingly points to yes, and a growing body of research explains why.
What “two years of kindy” actually means
Talking about kindergarten across Australia gets confusing fast, because every state and territory uses different names and different starting ages. In Queensland, Victoria, WA, SA and the NT, “kindy” or “kindergarten” generally means preschool, the year (or two) before formal school. In NSW, the ACT and Tasmania, “Kindergarten” is actually the first year of primary school itself.
When we talk about “two years,” we mean two years of quality early learning before your child starts that first formal school year, typically from around age three to age five.
- Most states fund at least 15 hours a week of preschool in the year before school
- A number of states and territories are now progressively rolling out a second, funded year for three-year-olds under the national Preschool Reform Agreement
- Availability and hours still vary by location, so it's worth checking your own state education department's current rules
Raising Children Network keeps an up-to-date breakdown of preschool by state and territory if you want to see exactly what applies where you live.
What the research shows
This is the part parents most want to know: does a second year actually make a measurable difference?
The Australian Institute of Family Studies has tracked this question through the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, one of the largest child development datasets in the country. Its analysis found that, compared with children who'd had two years of preschool, children who hadn't attended preschool or long day care at ages three or four started school with roughly double the odds of developmental vulnerability in physical health, communication and general knowledge, and close to triple the odds in language and cognition.
The Mitchell Institute at Victoria University has reached similar conclusions from a different angle. Its research shows two years of quality early learning has a bigger impact than one, particularly for building the literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional foundations children carry into their first years of school. A 2025 Mitchell Institute report went further, finding that educational gaps between children can already be visible by age two, which is part of why researchers and advocacy groups keep pushing for wider access to a second preschool year, not just the traditional one.
None of this means one year “isn't enough” for every child - every family's circumstances are different. What the research consistently shows is that more time in a quality early learning environment tends to build:
- Academic foundations - early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills that support a smoother transition into formal schooling
- Social skills - sharing, turn-taking, resolving small conflicts, and forming friendships in a group setting
- Emotional regulation - coping with new routines, separation, and the ordinary ups and downs of a busy day
- Confidence and independence - the self-belief that comes from mastering new things
Common hesitations, and what to weigh up
It's completely normal to feel unsure about starting your child in kindergarten or preschool earlier. Some of the most common questions we hear from families include:
- “Will they be ready?” Readiness isn't about knowing letters and numbers before they walk in the door, it's about curiosity, confidence and the ability to engage with others. A good early learning program builds exactly these skills, at your child's own pace.
- “What if they're not settled enough for a longer day?” Educators are experienced in supporting separation and easing children into new routines gradually, with plenty of one-on-one support in the early weeks.
- “Is it worth it for our family?” This is a genuinely personal decision. Cost, work schedules, and what feels right for your child all matter - there's no single right answer for every family.
How it works at Milestones
At Milestones, our School Readiness Program is part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum and is designed for children aged three to five. It combines the structure of a funded preschool or kindergarten program with the flexibility of long day care, so families get consistency without having to juggle separate drop-offs and pick-ups.
If you're weighing up whether a second year of kindy could be right for your child, the best next step is a conversation, not a decision made alone. Our educators know your child and can talk through what school readiness looks like for them specifically - their personality, their pace, and what would help them thrive.
You can also read more in our guide to what school readiness actually looks like.
Ready to talk it through? Get in touch with your local Milestones centre to speak with our educators about your child's school readiness journey.