A new kindergarten upgrade in Colac will help children and families access quality early childhood services, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $50 million investment in the early childhood sector.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the Andrews Labor Government had allocated $244,088 to upgrade and extend the early learning facilities at Colac East Kindergarten.
The project will both increase the capacity of the facility, offering an addition 15 four-year-old places, and improve the kindergarten’s accessibility through the provision of ramps for
wheelchair accessibility.
These grants will help give Colac families flexible, accessible and affordable early learning and care services.
Through investments like this the Labor Government is delivering infrastructure to areas with the strongest demand for high-quality early education and care services.
The upgrade is a partnership between the State Government, Colac Otway Shire, Barwon Child, Youth & Family and Colac East Kindergarten Committee which have all contributed funding to this important upgrade.
It is also providing up to $83.7 million over four years in additional funding to support the implementation of improved educator-to-child ratios from 1 January 2016.
Families will benefit from improved ratios, which will allow more one-on-one time for every child and boost the value they receive from time spent at kindergarten in preparation for school.
The Labor Government is committed to making Victoria the Education State – and this begins with giving every child a strong start in life.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP:
“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment and getting on with the job of improving access to high-quality early childhood education and family services for Colac families.”
“The local community will benefit from the additional places available for local children at Colac East Kindergarten, as well as the availability of additional support services including allied health, maternal and child health, NDIS, occupational and speech therapists.
“The upgrade will improve access for disadvantaged and vulnerable families to high quality early childhood services.”
“This is an investment in Colac’s future, which will help meet the growing demand for
kindergarten places in the Colac community so our children can get a strong start in life.”