Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney congratulates Monica Jones on her successful application for an early childhood graduate rural employment grant.
Ms. Jones has been awarded a grant of $6000 to help her provide a Victorian Government funded kindergarten program in a rural region.
‘I congratulate Monica and wish her every success for the important work she will do at Helen M Kininmonth Kindergarten in Winchelsea.’ Ms. Tierney said.
‘Ensuring all children can benefit from a quality early childhood program is a key focus and priority of the Bracks Government. We know how important participation in kindergarten is – it delivers better outcomes for children, and for the broader community. These grants are part of the government’s strategy to strengthen the delivery of kindergarten programs in rural and regional Victoria.’
‘To deliver these programs, we need to attract committed, passionate and high quality staff to rural kindergartens. The community of Winchelsea is fortunate to have a quality staff member like Ms. Jones work here at the Helen M Kininmonth Kindergarten.’
‘Initiatives like this are ensuring that all children are able to access kindergarten and have the best start in life.’
Since coming to office in 1999, the Bracks Government has boosted funding to kindergarten by 138%.
This funding includes $31.25 million over four years to improve pay and conditions for kindergarten teachers and to bring the graduate salary of kindergarten teachers in line with primary school teachers by October 2007.
In the recent state budget;
– $15 million has been allocated for the refurbishment of 1600 kindergartens and not for profit child care services.
– $4 million has been allocated to further upgrade the skills of kindergarten teachers and early childhood workers.
Five grants have been awarded this year to early childhood education graduates. Funding for further grants is still available and early childhood education graduates are encouraged to apply through their local Department of Human Services office and/or contact the office of Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria on 5224 2088.