Friday, 13 March 2009
A Brumby Government funding boost is giving Victorian children affected by the bushfire access to at least 10 hours of free kindergarten per week.
Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand said the current kindergarten fee subsidy of $751 will be extended to children affected by the fires, making kindergarten free.
“Many Victorian families are facing the task of having to rebuild their lives after the devastating fires and the Brumby Government will be providing every possible assistance,” Ms Morand said.
“We are taking action to support Victorian families and Victorian communities to recover and rebuild. “Ensuring children return to their routine of attending the happy and nurturing environment they have at their kinder is an essential part of this recovery process.”
“Experts tell us it is important for children to return to a sense of routine as soon as possible, instilling normalcy and helping children feel safe. Ms Morand said bushfire affected families will join more than 17,500 low income families who already enjoy the benefits of the fee subsidy for 10 hours of kindergarten per week.
“Good quality kindergarten programs are a vital part of children’s development, with research indicating long term benefits for children who attend kindergarten,” she said.
“By extending the subsidy, the Brumby Government is making kindergarten affordable and accessible for Victorian families affected by the bushfire.”
Ms Morand said the Brumby Government commitment will build on the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to provide 13 weeks free childcare to Victorian fire affected families.
“The Victorian Bushfires are the worst natural disaster Australia has ever faced,” she said.
“Communities have been devastated, the human cost has been horrific, lives have been lost, homes, schools and kindergartens destroyed.”
Families wanting to apply for the free kindergarten need to speak with their case manager or kindergarten provider. Families can access case managers by calling the Victorian Bushfire Case Management Hotline on 1800 050 400.
Any questions relating to the provision of early childhood services can also be directed to the Early Childhood Information Line on 1300 731 947.
