Victorian Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes have announced more than $6.2 million for kindergartens across the state to create safe, accessible spaces and buy IT equipment to engage children of all abilities.
Ms Blandthorn said kindergartens will receive up to $200,000 to upgrade facilities or purchase equipment to improve accessibility through the Building Blocks Inclusion grants.
“We’re supporting Kinders to meet the needs of their communities – alongside free kinder, saving families up to $2700 a year,” she said.
“Every child deserves to fully participate in kinder - these grants help services make that a reality.”
The government is also providing up to $10,000 for 175 services, to buy accessible equipment such as adjustable furniture, mobility stools and sensory resources.
Ms Symes said more than $1.5 million in information technology grants will fund computers, tablets and televisions for educational programs and service administration as part of the Building Blocks Improvement grants stream.
“Our investment means better learning environments, more accessible facilities and improved experiences for children, families and educators,” she said.