More children and families will have access to cheaper kindergarten with the state government’s continued investment in the ‘Best Start, Best Life’ reforms.
The 2023-24 state budget includes $1.8 billion for early childhood education, ensuring more children get the best start in life while giving more parents – particularly working mums – the choice to do what’s best for their families.
The investment will lock in free kinder, continue the roll-out of three-year-old kindergarten and start the transition of four-year-old kindergarten to pre-prep from 2025.
The funding will also support Aboriginal community organisations and Traditional Owners to improve cultural safety and inclusion in early childhood services.
This historic expansion of early education means a need for more educational toys and equipment so Victoria’s littlest minds grow and learn. Supporting this need, $14.7 million will deliver a one-off $5,000 grant to every kinder in Victoria, helping them purchase new equipment for play-based learning.
This funding means each kinder will see new, inclusive and age-appropriate materials including construction blocks, musical instruments, puzzles, chalk, gardening tools and sensory toys – encouraging children of all abilities to use their imagination and creativity, while learning through play.
With wear and tear inevitable, services will be encouraged to purchase toys made of natural and sustainable materials to extend their durability and keep them out of landfill.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the kindergarten reforms will help to save hard-working families money and support parents to return to the workforce.
“Play-based learning is a powerful way to support a child’s development – that’s why we’re ensuring every kinder has the new toys and games they need, to encourage our kids to grow and make discoveries,” he said.
