By Alesha Capone
Sixty-one kindergartens across Wyndham will receive a funding boost to help them better prepare children for school.
The kinders are among 1700 across the state to share in $3.7 million in state government funding.
The funding, which will be given out in grants of up to $5000 per kindergarten, will fund more pre-school program hours.
It will also provide additional educator hours so existing teaching staff can undertake transition activities or provide more one-on-one time with children, and access to allied health support such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas last week announced that 32 kindergartens in his electorate have been allocated grants under the funding program.
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly announced 29 kindergartens in her electorate have been allocated grants.
Altogether, the Tarneit kindergartens received a total of $84,500 in grants, with eight kindergartens receiving the maximum grant of $5000.
“This support will mean all children in Tarneit will be able to make a smooth transition to school after what has been a challenging year,” Ms Connolly said.
Early Childhood Minister Ingrid Stitt said early childhood staff across Victoria have done an “outstanding job” in supporting children and families during this challenging year.
“We’re making sure Victorian children get the most out of their last term at kinder and have a great start to school,” she said.
Earlier this year, the state government announced $26.7 million in extra funding to support early childhood services through the coronavirus pandemic.
