A state-of-the-art early learning centre will be built at Botanic Ridge Primary School as part of a $9 million initiative if Labor wins the state election.
Builders will soon be appointed and the facility will open in Term 1, 2020.
Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos today visited Selandra Kindergarten in Clyde North on Wednesday 31 October to make the announcement.
She said with the learning centre being co-located it would not only make pick-up and drop-off times more convenient for families, but provide greater support children transitioning from kinder to school.
The project will feature early years’ services for local families including kinder programs.
It comes as Labor announces its plan to build 785 new kinders and upgrade 170 more if re-elected, as part of its almost $5 billion three-year-old kinder reform.
“Looking after our littlest Victorians and giving them the best start in life is the smartest investment we can make,” Ms Mikakos said.
Labor have also said every Victorian child will have access to at least five hours of subsidised three-year-old kinder by 2022, progressively scaled up to 15 hours per week over the next decade.
Ms Mikakos said it was good news for families struggling with the cost of living. “Right now, many are forced to scrimp and save to cover the costs of three-year-old kinder – around $5000 a year for 15 hours – while the vast majority see their kids miss out.”
LAbor have said for families with a higher income, Labor will cover 65 per cent of their child’s kindergarten costs, consistent with the current subsidy for four-year-old kinder. This represents a saving of at least $3500 for families whose children attend a standalone kinder.
The Liberals have been contacted comment.
