Modular kindergartens can be constructed faster than a regular building to support urgent demand. You can apply for a modular kindergarten through a Building Blocks Capacity Grant.
What is the Modular Kindergarten Program?
We are building more kinders to support the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reforms. We are making sure every child in Victoria can get 2 years of free kinder.
The Modular Kindergarten Program offers grants for one, 2 and 3-room templated buildings and associated outdoor learning areas. These modular kinders are delivered by the Victorian Government in collaboration with the grant applicant.
Because modular kindergartens are built to a set template, they can be delivered faster than a traditional building, and are more cost effective. We can build them on land owned by the Department of Education or other locations.
You do not need to contribute funding for a standard scope modular kinder. More information about funding can be found below.
As of May 2024, the Modular Kindergarten Program has delivered 34 kinders across Victoria, creating more than 1,700 new kinder places.
In 2024, we significantly increased the funding available through a modular kindergarten grant.
You can apply for a modular kindergarten by applying for a Capacity Building Grant.
Design of a modular kindergarten
There are 3 standard templates and 2 compact templates to suit the needs of most sites.
We have worked with architects to design our modular kindergartens. They offer modern, functional and flexible spaces for learning and playing.
This flexibility makes it easy to change the internal set-up. For example, you can change the position of the furniture to suit how you use the space.
Because the designs are templated, we cannot make structural changes to the designs. We can’t make changes that involve moving plumbing or changing the size of rooms.
We will determine which template best suits your needs, as we process your grant application. We base this decision on local demand for kinder places and the nature of your site.
You can view the design templates, and see photos of completed modular kinders on our modular kindergarten buildings page.
For further information about the templates, email the VSBA Early Childhood Grants team: building.blocks@education.vic.gov.au.
Delivering a modular kindergarten
Modular kindergartens are constructed off site, in sections known as ‘modules’. Builders assemble them on site and connect them to utilities. They then complete the outdoor learning and play areas and landscaping.
We deliver modular kindergarten projects in collaboration with the applicant. Project delivery includes site assessment and feasibility studies, design, permits, and construction.
It usually takes about 14 months to have our modular kindergartens ready to open. Sometimes planning, environmental, cultural heritage and building approvals may impact this timeline.
The Department of Education will establish a Project Control Group at the start of the project. The group includes key stakeholders including the applicant. It meets regularly throughout the project to discuss any issues and make key decisions.
Funding information
A Building Blocks Capacity Building - Modular Kindergarten grant will cover the cost of the project’s standard scope.
Applicants must fund items outside the standard scope. This might include demolition costs or internal equipment and furniture.
The standard scope includes:
- building, delivering and installing the templated modular building
- an outdoor learning area
- required car parking.
The grant value you can apply for will depend on the modular kindergarten building your project needs.
For example, if your project is eligible for a one-room modular building, your project will be eligible for up to $2 million to cover the standard scope. The maximum grant value for each size of building is outlined on our Capacity Building Grant page.
We determine the funding for your project based on the number of rooms required, site conditions, and necessary inclusions (such as required car parking).
Grant values are capped at the highest project cost for a standard scope. The cost of delivering the standard scope can vary. For example, a project with more complex site conditions will receive a higher funding amount.
We manage the project in collaboration with the applicant. This reduces the time and resources applicants would have to dedicate to an independently designed and managed project. However, any project management costs incurred by the applicant are not included in the funding.
For a breakdown of funding amounts available refer to the Building Block Capacity Guidelines.
For a complete list of what items are funded, email the VSBA Early Childhood Grants team: building.blocks@education.vic.gov.au.
If your project is successful, you will need to sign a letter of intent. The letter of intent records the proposed grant funding arrangement.
This includes information about the agreed conditions and responsibilities during delivery, installation, and operation of the modular kindergarten.
At the completion of the project, the buildings will be leased to the applicant. The modular building will remain the property of the Department of Education for the duration of the lease.
Buildings can be sub-leased by the applicant to not-for-profit early years service providers.
Other services at a kindergarten
Modular kindergarten buildings can also be used to offer other related services, including long daycare, maternal and child health (MCH) services, or playgroups, but you must prioritise kindergarten programs and enrolments ahead of other related services.
The templated designs include a space for a MCH service room.
You can use the MCH space in other ways, such as an office.
Application and assessment process
If you think a modular kindergarten might be right for your project, you first need to contact the VSBA. Email the VSBA Early Childhood Grants team to arrange a pre application meeting: building.blocks@education.vic.gov.au.
The Early Childhood Grants team can help with site suitability, budget and whether a modular kindergarten building is appropriate for your project. The team can support you through the application process.
For further information on applying for funding, refer to the Building Block Capacity Guidelines.
For further information on the assessment process, refer to Building Blocks - Capacity Building assessment factsheet.
For information on Building Block Partnerships, refer to the Kindergarten facilities and capital funding page.
Next steps
Before applying for a grant with the Modular Kindergarten Program, please read through the Building Block Capacity Guidelines and contact the VSBA Early Childhood Grants team by emailing building.blocks@education.vic.gov.au.
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