THE state government has announced grants for new and upgraded kindergartens across Victoria ahead of the three-year old kindergarten roll-out next year.<\/p>\n
Applications for the 2019\/20 Children\u2019s Facilities Capital Program opened last week for local councils and other kindergarten services for grants to build, expand and improve early years facilities.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the 2019 round of the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program will help kindergartens across the state provide safe and inclusive environments for children with additional needs.<\/p>\n
Under the Children\u2019s Facilities Capital Program, major grants of up to $2 million are available for new facilities or significant upgrades, while grants of up to $50,000 are available for expansions and refurbishments of existing facilities. Applications close at midnight on August 9.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Children\u2019s Facilities Capital Program has already provided more than 10,000 additional kindergarten places for children in early learning facilities across Victoria,\u201d Education Minister James Merlino said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are getting ready for the roll-out of three-yearold kindergarten with this significant grants program, as well as making sure our four-year-old kindergarten facilities are up to scratch.\u201d<\/p>\n
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman welcomed the launch.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocal councils and providers are encouraged to apply for the Children\u2019s Facilities Capital Program,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a great opportunity to expand and refurbish existing facilities and create brand new Early Learning Centres and Integrated Children\u2019s Centres.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2019\/20 Victorian Budget 2019\/20 included $6 million for the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program, under which kindergartens can apply for up to $200,000 to upgrade their buildings or playgrounds to become more inclusive for children of all abilities.<\/p>\n
Grants of up to $10,000 are also available to buy equipment such as adjustable desks and chairs, moveable wheelchair ramps and soft padding for outdoor areas.<\/p>\n
The Labor Government has already helped more than 260 kindergarten services upgrade their buildings and playgrounds or provided inclusive equipment though this program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re helping kinders to upgrade their buildings and playgrounds,\u201d Mr Merlino said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only so they are more accessible, but also so their grounds encourage learning, curiosity and imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE state government has announced grants for new and upgraded kindergartens across Victoria ahead of the three-year old kindergarten roll-out next year. Applications for the 2019\/20 Children\u2019s Facilities Capital Program opened last week for local councils and other kindergarten services for grants to build, expand and improve early years facilities. Meanwhile, the 2019 round of […]<\/p>\n