Nyernilang Lar childcare centre opens in Eaglehawk

THE newly-built state-run childcare centre attached to Eaglehawk North Primary School has opened its doors, providing long day care and both three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs.

Named Early Learning Victoria Nyernilang Lar in consultation with local traditional owners, the centre features five purpose-built rooms designed to cater to different age groups.

It has outdoor play areas and a community room for child and family services such as maternal and child health, plus room for community meetings and playgroups and is one of four government-owned and operated childcare centres (of 50 planned) now open.

Over 400 children across these four sites will be the first to benefit from the new centres – all in areas that need extra childcare places the most and where there are higher average rates of disadvantage.

The facilities are low-fee and are located on or near school sites, ending the dreaded double drop-off for local families.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said Victorian families deserve access to high-quality early childhood education and care no matter their postcode.

“We’re giving our littlest Victorians the best start, so that they get the best opportunities in life,” she said.

“This historic investment in early childhood education is about setting our kids up for the future and investing in Victorian families.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said that by opening government-run childcare centres, families are given more options.

To apply to enrol a child at Nyernilang Lar, visit the Early Learning Victoria website at earlylearning.vic.gov.au/nyernilang-lar.