All grow for kinder kids

$40k to expand learning, play facilities

THE region’s smallest learners will have more equipment and bigger classrooms under a State Government grant aimed to boost Geelong’s kindergartens.

Northern Bay College’s early learning centre, which caters for children aged zero to six, received a $25,000 boost to build a new space that will allow parents to engage with their children on-site.

College business manager Lisa Gray said parent engagement was a core focus for the school and securing the grant had been a priority.

“Parent engagement is really big for Northern Bay and the whole college — we want to get our community involved,” Ms Gray said.

“With the littlies there is no real area where the parents could come and interact. This grant would allow us to develop that space.”

Six Geelong kindergartens will share more than $40,000 in funding — part of a million dollar statewide children’s facilities minor grants program.

Geelong West Kindergarten received $10,000 to upgrade its front outdoor area and make it more accessible, including improving access to the play area and making structures wheelchair accessible.

Works will include developing a new large, open space for group activities, levelling the ground, putting in new outdoor seating options for kids and visitors, and building wheelchair accessible pathways, fencing and gates.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the funding would ensure children had access to the best facilities.

“This exciting upgrade will create a great new outdoors spaces for kids at Geelong West Kinder that is fun, safe and accessible for all,” Ms Couzens said.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos said the Government was committed to investing in first-rate early childhood facilities.

“We know that better quality early childhood services mean a better start in life for our kids, and these grants are helping ensure our kids are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life.”

Clifton Springs Preschool, Lara Kindergarten, Highton Pre-school and Bond St Kindergarten also received grants.

“With the littlies there is no real area where the parents could come and interact. This grant would allow us to develop that space.” COLLEGE BUSINESS MANAGER LISA GRAY