Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Jessie and his mum Flavia. Jessie, like all 3 year olds is very eager to learn, play and develop, while exploring his new world around him. Yet, Kinder funding does not extend to little ones his age.
In an Australian first, every Victorian child born under a re-elected Andrews Government will start kindergarten a year earlier, investing almost $5 billion over the next decade to deliver a full 15 hours of three-year-old kinder. The roll-out will begin in 2020,
This will be the largest social, economic and educational reform ever undertaken in early childhood learning in Victoria’s history.
Labor’s commitment is also good news for families struggling with the cost of living. Many families pay around $5000 a year for three-year-old kinder, while the vast majority miss out altogether.
Those with kids who go to long-day-care will also benefit, with these centres given funding to employ teachers in their three-year-old rooms.
3 year olds like Jessie will be the best equipped for their future and Victoria's future too.