THE future of small regional kindergartens is being secured by a $10 million boost in funding.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes recently announced the increase of the annual baseline funding, stating it would support both early learners and their families.
“This baseline funding boost is supporting the long-term viability of Victoria’s small regional kindergartens, helping children attend their local kindergarten for years to come,” she said.
More than 60 regional kindergartens, including those in the Euroa, Mildura, Murray Plains, Ovens Valley, and Shepparton electorates, are set to benefit from the investment.
The funding increase is equivalent to 18 enrolments per kindergarten, or $132,000. Service providers will receive the first increased payment in Term Two automatically, based on their reported enrolments for the year.
To be eligible, kindergartens must be the only provider in their regional town or local area and have fewer than 18 enrolments.
The approach simplifies kindergarten funding for service providers which can have higher operating costs because of their regional location.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn praised the pivotal role that kindergartens played in small communities.
“Families in small towns deserve certainty when it comes to their children’s education,” she said.
“We’re making sure that no small kinder is left behind, giving our little learners the best start in life.”
