Thursday, 31 March 2016

Grants to upgrade kindergarten and children’s centre facilities in Gippsland are now open. The grants will also help enhance the services that kindergartens across Gippsland offer local children and families.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing MP today encouraged kindergartens and councils to apply for the grants to ensure that more children in Gippsland have access to high-quality early learning programs.

Expansion grants of up to $25,000 are available to kindergartens, allowing them enlarge their playrooms, giving them flexibility and helping them to better accommodate the 2016 educator-to-child ratios.

Funding of up to $10,000 is also on offer to services planning to enhance their programs through upgrading their playgrounds and conducting refurbishments, improving access for children of all abilities.

Services in Gippsland can also apply for grants of up to $1,500 to purchase new desktop computers, laptops, tablets or televisions, giving early childhood professionals the resources they need to enhance their digital learning programs and to support their administrative functions.

The grants are already having an impact in Gippsland with a total of 54 services receiving $197,112 last year.

These services have used the money for projects ranging from $1,419 for IT to $19,391 for minor expansions.

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

Applications for the 2016-17 Children’s Facilities Capital Program Minor Grants close at 5pm on Monday, 16 May 2016.

To apply or find out more, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/funding/Pages/capitalprogram.aspx

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP:

“This is great news for Gippsland kindergartens and the families who rely on them for high quality early learning opportunities and I would strongly encourage services that could benefit from this grant funding to apply.”

“As part of our work to make Victoria the Education State, the Andrews Labor Government is working to boost the quality of children’s services across the state.”