MAKING PLAYGROUNDS MORE INCLUSIVE FOR ALL KINDER KIDS
Mount Waverley kids of all abilities will find learning and playing easier while at kinder, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos and Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane have announced 42 kinders will benefit from the latest round of the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program.
The program helps kinders become more accessible and inclusive for kids of all abilities by upgrading their buildings or playgrounds or to buy things like adjustable desks and chairs, moveable wheelchair ramps and soft padding for outdoor areas.
So far, a total 258 grants worth $6.4 million have been distributed to dozens of Victorian kinders.
Highmount Preschool is one of the lucky kinders and will be getting $114,245 to redevelop their existing playground to provide universal access for children of all abilities.
Our plans include a level site with raised garden beds for ease of access, beach entry sandpit and digging pit, open sided thatch hut, sensory water play, musical sensory wall and adaptable kitchen play area. The wide pathway will provide universal accessibility, taking children on a journey of sensory discovery and providing them with countless options for learning and collaboration, whether as a group or participating in a quiet activity in a specially adapted space.
The Labor Government has invested a record $123.6 million to build, expand and improve early years infrastructure across Victoria to ensure local families can continue to access great local kindergartens.
It has led to an additional 8,250 kindergarten places for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as hundreds of new and revamped early learning facilities and playgroups since 2014.
It builds on the Government's landmark $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan, which recognises the importance of giving families support in early childhood so kids are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos
"No child should be left behind – we're making kinders and playgrounds more accessible for kids of all abilities."
"We're improving kindergarten infrastructure across the state so that children of all abilities can make the most out of their time at kinder."
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane
"Building the Education State starts with the early years – and families right across Victoria and here in Mount Waverley will get to reap the benefits of this funding."
"We want our littlest Victorians to get the support they need and enjoy world-class and welcoming environments, no matter where they go to kinder."