Wednesday, 13 December, 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is helping more Gippsland families and children benefit from better early learning facilities through a major investment in children’s centre infrastructure.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region today announced that the Andrews Labor Government is investing $271,510 for a significant upgrade to Lakes Entrance Preschool Incorporated in Lakes Entrance as part of a total of $18 million in capital funding provided through the Children’s Facilities Capital Program.

It is among 28 projects across Victoria to share in funding and will include the final stage of an ongoing refurbishment project to accommodate its growth. It will create an accessible front entrance, meeting room, increased storage and staff office space, complementing the funds raised through the hard work of the staff and local community.

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a record $70 million to build, expand and upgrade early years infrastructure across Victoria to ensure local families can continue to access great local kindergartens, including $10 million targeting growth areas.

Research shows that children who have a stimulating, supportive and healthy start to life are more likely to do well later in life, while children who attend kinder score between 10 and 20 points higher on NAPLAN tests.

Gippsland families are also set to benefit from the Government’s $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan, announced in this year’s Victorian Budget 2017/18.

This ground-breaking reform plan recognises the importance of providing families with strong support in early childhood, so kids are ready for kinder and ready for school.

It will mean parents can access improved parenting support and Maternal and Child Health Services, as well as higher quality and more inclusive kindergartens.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos:

“We know that high-quality early years education and care are vital to giving our children the best start in life, which is why we are investing in first-rate early learning facilities.”

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

“This exciting upgrade will ensure that more Gippsland families can access quality early childhood services and facilities to help their children to prepare for school and beyond.”