Premier

New Kindergarten For Surf Coast Families

28 March 2017

Surf Coast families can now access a brand new kindergarten and day care centre, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today visited the new Butterfield House Kindergarten and Day Care centre in Jan Juc to officially open the centre.

The $1.26 million early learning facility was built in partnership with Christian College Geelong, and incorporates preschool, pre-kinder and long day care options for up to 77 children at a time.

The new facility has three learning rooms and outdoor areas to support three and four-year-old kindergarten services. It offers 44 four-year-old kindergarten places.

The Labor Government provided $650,000 for the new kindergarten through the New Early Facility grant program, with Christian College Geelong providing $608,778.

We are investing $60 million to build and upgrade hundreds of children’s centres and kindergartens across Victoria, including $10 million targeted at Melbourne growth areas.

Infrastructure projects such as these ensure local children’s services have the space and flexibility they need to deliver 15 hours of kindergarten alongside a range of other vital early years programs.

Children who attend 15 hours per week of preschool do better at school, have improved job prospects and are set up to achieve their full potential.

We are making Victoria the Education State – this starts with giving every child a strong start in life.

The National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education, which funds 15 hours of preschool per week is due to run out this year.

The Liberals want to cut that vital start children need at the most important stage of their development.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“We know that participating in early childhood services and kindergarten make a big difference to children’s lives, and we’re working to ensure all children see the benefit of these programs – no matter where they live.”

“We have invested in building this new kindergarten and day care facility for Surf Coast families because we know having great local facilities makes a big difference to children’s lives.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“We are delighted to be providing brand new early learning facilities for local children on the Surf Coast”

“Investments like this will pay enormous dividends to local families for years to come.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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