Victoria rolls out Kinder Kit surprise for three year olds to set them up for success

The Victorian Government will give children beginning three year old kinder in 2022 a special “kinder kit” created to complement kinder learning by offering fun and creative activities to encourage family engagement in the child’s education and promote awareness of the benefits of continued learning at home. 

Victorian Minister for Early Childhood, Ingrid Stitt, said the kits will be available for enrolled children at the start of the year, thanks to an $8 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2021/22. 

“These Kinder Kits will be a wonderful way for families to take part in their child’s learning and understand the benefits of kindergarten – and we can’t wait to see them with fantastic locally-made products for kids to enjoy, “ the Minister added.

Victorian businesses have been encouraged to submit proposals to help resource the kits, to further Government initiatives to “keep jobs local” and encourage economic recovery following the impact to businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns. The materials for the kit will be sourced locally and produced sustainably where possible. 

The kit will also align with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework outcomes of identity, community, wellbeing, learning and communication. An independent panel of Victorian early childhood experts will advise on items that are safe, sustainable, inclusive and provide fun ways to kick-start children’s early education. 

Eligible families who are yet to enrol in a three year old kinder program can talk to their local kindergarten and long day care services about enrolling for 2022, and can look for a service near them by visiting the new ‘Find a Kinder Program’ website at findakinder.educationapps.vic.gov.au. 

For more information on the process and to apply to design or provide materials for the Kinder Kits, see tenders.vic.gov.au.