MITCHELL Shire four-year-old children will enjoy up to 20 hours of kinder for free.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn has announced 12 local government areas across regional Victoria, including Mitchell, will have more hours of play-based learning available. The program was first announced for six LGAs last year.
Children will still go to the same kinder they know and love, but with more hours – between 16 and 30 every week.
For some children, this means double the amount of early education before they start school.
More than 130 funded kindergarten services now offer the expanded program, with more than 3000 children set to benefit.
Families will save up to $2700 per child – money that stays in family budgets instead of going towards kinder fees.
State Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said: “This is about backing the communities that make Victoria great. Families have told me cost and access are real barriers and free kinder tackles both.”
Among the 12 LGAs joining the rollout this year in addition to Mitchell LGA are Benalla Rural City and Strathbogie Shire.
This builds on last year’s rollout in LGAs including Gannawarra and Murrindindi – where more than 500 children are now receiving more kinder hours through Pre-Prep programs.
In addition to the expansion into 12 new LGAs, children from priority cohorts across Victoria are now eligible for the extra hours of learning.
This includes Aboriginal children, those from refugee backgrounds and children who have had contact with child protection. Find out more about free kinder at vic.gov.au/free-kinder
