Friday, 8 November 2019

MAKING KINDERGARTEN MORE INCLUSIVE FOR CHILDREN IN EMERALD

The Victorian Government is helping ensure Emerald children of all abilities can get the most out of their time at kindergarten, thanks to a new upgrade.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, today visited the Emerald Preschool to open the Inclusive Kindergarten Facilities Program project, which includes improving access, upgrading toilets, outdoor facilities and car park.

The Victorian Government provided Emerald Kindergarten $178,818 towards the project, which aims to provide a more inclusive environment for children with disabilities or additional needs.

This project is part of the Inclusive Kindergarten Facilities Program, which provides funding to upgrade buildings and playgrounds or buy equipment to provide more accessible and inclusive environments.

Up to $200,000 is provided to kindergarten services to undertake buildings and playgrounds upgrades.

The state’s biggest early education build will continue over the coming years, with the Government to invest more than $1.68 billion over the next decade to support the construction or expansion of almost 1,000 kindergartens across the state.

This is part of the Government’s $5 billion commitment to deliver 15 hours of funded kindergarten programs for all three-year-old children in Victoria over the next decade, with the roll-out beginning in 2020.

This is about ensuring families in Emerald have access to stronger support in early childhood, so kids are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“All children should get the most out of their time at kindergarten, which is why we’re making kinder buildings and playgrounds more accessible for children of all abilities.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“I’m delighted we’re helping Emerald Kindergarten upgrade their infrastructure to create more inclusive and accessible environments.”

“It’s really fantastic to see children at Emerald Kindergarten enjoying their new building upgrades and outdoor facilities.”