The Andrews Labor Government is helping early learning services in Yuroke buy new equipment and learning kits to support children of all abilities to get the best out of their time at kinder.

Member for Yuroke Ros Spence today announced five local kindergartens had successfully applied for more than $41,000 in funding for new equipment to support inclusion of all children.

The Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program equipment stream provides up to $10,000 for items that promote inclusiveness and diversity, including adjustable tables and chairs and sensory equipment such as padded mats and weighted cushions.

Locally, the following kindergartens have been awarded funding through this program:

The Victorian Budget 2019/20 included $6 million for the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program to help kindergartens across the state provide safe and inclusive environments for children with additional needs.

This is part of the Government’s $5 billion commitment to deliver a full 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kinder to every Victorian child over the next decade, with the rollout beginning in 2020.

The roll-out will continue progressively across the state, with families in a further 15 regional LGAs to benefit in 2021. This will be expanded in 2022 to give three-year-olds across the rest of the state access to five hours of funded kindergarten, before being scaled up to a full 15-hour program by 2029.

The Labor Government’s investment in three-year-old kinder also includes $473.2 million for early childhood infrastructure, which will support the sector to invest in new and expanded kindergarten facilities, when and where they are needed most.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“These grants will make a big difference in ensuring children of all abilities attending kindergarten in Yuroke get the support they need to thrive.”

Quote attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence

“It’s fantastic to help our local kindergarten services buy the equipment they need to provide welcoming and inclusive environments for all children.”