FEDERATION Children\u2019s Centre in Ballarat last week became the launch site for the State Government\u2019s new Kinder Tick program.<\/p>\n
The initiative aims to make it easier for families to recognise approved and funded kindergarten programs across the state and includes signage and accreditation for facilities that meet certain criteria.<\/p>\n
During a visit last Thursday, Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt said the three conditions to receive the tick of approval are the kindergarten be led by qualified teachers, provide play-based learning and are funded by the Victorian Government.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are many, many high-quality services being delivered across the state in all kinds of settings,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted families to be able to understand which of those programs have the Victorian Government\u2019s tick of approval.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would encourage any kindergarten services who is unsure about the criteria and how they might be able to qualify to work closely with the Department of Education and Training who are willing to make sure that the best quality programs are being delivered right across the state.\u201d<\/p>\n
Federation Children\u2019s Centre is one of about 2600 Victorian childhood education providers that will display the Kinder Tick.<\/p>\n
This initiative is intended to support the Government\u2019s eventual roll out of three-year-old kindergarten across the state.<\/p>\n
Coordinator of Federation Children\u2019s Centres Sally Matthews said although it\u2019s been logistically challenging to get the program off the ground, it\u2019s been worth it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really proud that this Tick program is out there to dispel any myths about what kinder is and give parents the ability to recognise what\u2019s right for their child,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working with the Department of Education on the roll out and we already have families excited to enrol in three-year-old kinder next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe research shows that children who have two years of kindergarten have better prospects in life and education\u2026 we\u2019re at the forefront of the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FEDERATION Children\u2019s Centre in Ballarat last week became the launch site for the State Government\u2019s new Kinder Tick program. The initiative aims to make it easier for families to recognise approved and funded kindergarten programs across the state and includes signage and accreditation for facilities that meet certain criteria. During a visit last Thursday, Minister […]<\/p>\n