Yuroke kinders more inclusive thanks to Victorian Government Grants

Early learning services in the Victorian Yuroke region will be able to buy new equipment and learning resources to support children of all abilities to “get the best out of their time at kinder,” Member for Yuroke Ros Spence recently announced. 

More than $41,000 in funding will be shared between five local kindergartens, all of whom applied for funding under the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program, equipment stream, to source new equipment to support the inclusion of all children. 

The funding stream provides up to $10,000 for items that promote inclusiveness and diversity, including adjustable tables and chairs and sensory equipment such as padded mats and weighted cushions.

The Victorian Budget 2019/20 included $6 million for the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program to help kindergartens across the state provide safe and inclusive environments for children with additional needs.

Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino said the grants “will make a big difference in ensuring children of all abilities attending kindergarten in Yuroke get the support they need to thrive”.

The following kindergartens have been awarded funding through this program:

• Barrymore Rd Preschool – $8,795
• Craigieburn Child and Family Centre – $8,281
• Craigieburn Early Childhood Services Centre – $8,795
• Hilton St Preschool – $9,643
• Malcolm Creek Preschool – $5,952

More information about the Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program is available here.