Gippsland › Latest news › Harriet Shing MP
Upgrades and specialist equipment for Gippsland early childhood education centres via Victorian government Building Blocks Inclusion fund
Upgrades to early childhood education centres and specialist equipment to help improve learning outcomes.
The Andrews Labor Government is making kindergartens across Gippsland and the Dandenong Ranges more inclusive for children of all abilities, with upgrades to early childhood education centres and specialist equipment to help improve learning outcomes.
The school infrastructure boom is part of our commitment to making Victoria the education state
Supporting early childhood providers
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced the opening of the second round of grants in the Building Blocks Inclusion fund ─ helping kindergartens provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for every child.
Eligible kindergartens are invited to apply for grants of up to $200,000 for building or playground upgrades that make them more inclusive of children of all needs. Grants of up to $10,000 are also available for specialist equipment like mobility chairs or sensory tools for kindergarten programs.
The Building Blocks Grants program supports early childhood providers with new and existing infrastructure and facilities for eligible three and four-year-old kindergarten services. The Victorian Budget 2020/21 invested $68.5 million for early childhood education infrastructure, with $12 million allocated to fund two rounds of the Building Blocks Inclusion grants stream.
Investment to provide access
In an Australian-first, the Labor Government is investing almost $5 billion this decade to provide three-year-old children with access to an additional year of funded kindergarten programs. From 2022, three-year-old children across the state will have access to at least five hours of kindergarten. Services will then scale up their hours to reach the full 15-hour program by 2029.
As part of this roll-out, the Government is upgrading infrastructure through a $1.68 billion co-investment with the early childhood sector to build and expand kindergarten facilities across the state.
Upgrading facilities across Eastern Victoria
Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt said, "We're delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood education services so our children and families can get the most out of great local kindergartens. Every child deserves the best start in life, and in their education journey - that's why we're delivering the equipment, technology and designs our kindergartens need."
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "It's so important that all kids are included and welcomed into a wonderful local kindergarten experience, particularly as three-year-old kinder rolls out around the state. This is why we are upgrading facilities across Eastern Victoria by helping kinders to buy the specialist equipment they need to provide safe, accessible, and inclusive learning environments."
To apply for the next round of the Building Blocks Inclusion grants stream funding, visit the building blocks.
Pictures from Harriet Shing MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Bass Coast Shire Council draft 2024/25 Budget ready for community input prioritising $25M for climate-focused projectsCommunity feedback wanted on Wellington Shire Council draft 2024/25 budget by 6 May 2024
East Gippsland Shire Council starts remediation of Bastion Point groyne rock wall to address its deterioration
Photo contest winners from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority showcase regional waterway beauty
Wellington Renewable Energy Impact Study prioritises community input in renewable energy decisions and transition
East Gippsland Shire Council makes the expanded mobile library service permanent following successful trial
Search for new East Gippsland Water Managing Director as as Steve McKenzie East not to do another term after navigating bushfires and pandemic
Community feedback wanted on Latrobe City Council draft 2024/2025 Budget by 6 May 2024
Latrobe City kindergarten enrolments for 2025 will open on 1 May 2024 with open day on 7 May 2024
Tim Bull urges increased roads and health funding from horror Budget from wasteful Allen Labor government