Local kindergartens will be upgraded as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s promise to deliver new kindergarten infrastructure improvements, with grants to help increase playroom sizes for local families.

Ros Spence, Member for Yuroke, said that every local kindergarten that had applied for a minor expansion grant had been successful.

$50,000 in grants will go to assisting Yuroke’s kindergartens ahead of the introduction of improved staff-to-child ratios in 2016.

The grants of up to $25,000 will allow kindergartens to enlarge their playrooms, giving them flexibility and space for children to learn.

Better ratios will mean more one-on-one time for every child and boost the value Victorian families receive from the time their children spend at kindergarten, in preparation for school.

The grants form part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $50 million investment in the early childhood sector through the building and upgrading of kindergartens and children’s centres.

The Labor Government is committed to making Victoria the Education State – and this begins with giving every child a strong start in life.

Early childhood teachers are now required to be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching, recognising their critical role in delivering valuable early childhood services for Victorian families.

After two years of stalling under the previous Liberal Government, the Labor Government has delivered on its promise to assist the parties in the early years industrial dispute reach a resolution, with a Heads of Agreement now signed paving the way for a solution.

This will see early childhood teachers reach pay parity and help Victoria’s early years learning services attract and retain talented and highly qualified educators.

LIST OF KINDERGARTENS

• Bank Street Preschool, Craigieburn – $25,000
• Pembroke Crescent Preschool, Craigieburn – $25,000