The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for more families to find a kindergarten place outside of the normal enrolment period.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced an extension of the pre-purchased places pilot program in Warrnambool, securing at least 14 kindergarten places in 2017.
The Government purchases and reserves places for children who may miss out on a kindergarten program. Pre-purchased places help disadvantaged children access kindergarten at no cost to families and carers.
More than 445 kindergarten places at 170 services have been secured across Victoria.
One in five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children miss out on kindergarten in the year before school.
Recently arrived migrants and refugees without stable employment and housing also face challenges in accessing kindergarten places.
The program is changing people’s lives for the better by supporting more than 400 children and families find a kindergarten where they need it.
It aims to help overcome barriers to participation in kindergarten such as enrolling late, moving into new areas, or being cared for out of home.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“Early childhood services and kindergarten make a huge difference to children’s lives – they’re one of the most powerful ways to set up children to succeed.”
“Victoria has a high kindergarten participation rate – but we can do more. We’ll keep working until all Victorian children are getting the benefits of a high-quality early education.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on the things that matter most to people by giving Victorian children the best start in life.”