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Back to early childhood education and care

Information on rapid antigen tests (RATs) and other COVIDSafe measures to ensure ECEC staff and children stay safe.

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) represents an irreplaceable opportunity for growth, development and learning. COVIDSafe practices continue to be in place across all ECEC settings to ensure that every possible effort is made to ensure staff and children are safe as possible.

COVIDSafe rules for ECEC

  • The Victorian Government encourages the vaccination of children aged 5 and over. We encourage services to promote vaccination to eligible children in your care. This will help keep young or ineligible children safer.

    Getting as many children aged 5 to 11 vaccinated is one of the most important steps we can take to keep our schools (including outside school hours care services, and year-before-school ECEC programs) as safe as possible, and to maintain continuity of learning.

Advice for funded kindergarten services to manage staffing and enrolments

The department recognises that all ECEC services, including funded kindergarten services, face significant challenges in operating programs in early 2022 whilst managing expected staff absences. This advice applies to all funded kindergarten programs and is intended to provide options for remaining open and managing impacts on program delivery.

Reviewed 23 February 2023

Coronavirus Victoria

Coronavirus Hotline

Call the Coronavirus Hotline if you need help to report a rapid antigen test (RAT) or if you have any questions about COVID-19.

The Victorian Coronavirus Hotline diverts to the National Coronavirus Helpline every night between 4pm and 9am.

Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

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