Premier

Back To Preschool With 2000 New Places

30 January 2017

The Andrews Labor Government’s significant investment in early childhood will create almost 2000 new places with 14 new preschools to open this year.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today joined families at Goodstart Early Learning Preston, welcoming some of the 76,000 Victorian children attending preschool in 2017.

The Government is investing $252,000 in expanding Goodstart Early Learning Preston as part of a $60 million investment to build and upgrade preschools and early childhood centres across the state.

Goodstart is currently completing an expansion to allow for 33 more four-year-old preschool places.

The Government is ensuring early childhood centres have the space and flexibility to deliver 15 hours per week of preschool alongside a range of other vital early years programs.

Ms Mikakos launched a campaign urging the Turnbull Government to commit to 15 hours of kindergarten funding to provide security for families in 2017.

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.

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

For more information go to www.thismatters.org.au/kindercutsExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“We are delivering an unprecedented investment in new, bigger and better preschools to support children and families across the state, as Victoria’s population continues to boom.”

“It is time for the Turnbull Government to match our work for early childhood development by ending the uncertainty surrounding 15 hours once and for all.”

“Simon Birmingham wants early childhood education to go ‘back to basics’ – but he won’t commit to 15 hours of kinder funding where the basics of education begin.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Preston Robin Scott

“Investing in early childhood services is a no-brainer.”

“Research tells us 15 hours a week of preschool sets kids up for better performance at school and at work, including higher pay.”

“It’s great to know more kids here in Preston will have that advantage thanks to this funding.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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