Kindergartens across Victoria will share more than $6.2 million to upgrade facilities and purchase equipment aimed at improving accessibility for children of all abilities.
The Minister for Children announced the funding on Tuesday, outlining support through the Building Blocks Inclusion grants. Services can receive up to $200,000 to upgrade buildings or buy equipment to improve access and safety.
Clifton Childcare Co-operative in Fitzroy North is among the recipients. The service will upgrade its playground and improve bathroom facilities to better support children with diverse needs.
Under a separate stream, 175 services will receive up to $10,000 each to purchase accessible equipment such as adjustable furniture, mobility stools and sensory resources.
Alexandra Avenue Kindergarten in Sunshine will use its $10,000 grant to buy sensory and gross motor development equipment, including lights and mats designed to create calm learning environments.
More than $1.5 million in Information Technology grants will fund computers, tablets and televisions to support educational programs and service administration. The funding is part of the Building Blocks Improvement grants stream.
The Government says the investment forms part of a broader expansion of early childhood education. It is rolling out 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep by 2036.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the grants would help services respond to local needs.
“We’re supporting Kinders to meet the needs of their communities – alongside Free Kinder saving families up to $2,700 a year.”
She said the aim was to ensure children could participate fully in early learning.
“Every child deserves to fully participate in Kinder – these grants help services make that a reality.”
Details of grant recipients are available on the Victorian School Building Authority website.
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