Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos MP did the rounds at a number of kindergartens this week to inspect refurbishment work funded by the Andrews government.

Investments of up to $83.7 million will see the building and upgrading of new and existing kindergartens across Victoria, and will help fund the hire of additional staff to meet new staffing requirements.

Introduced on 1 January, some 74,000 Victorian children will be able to receive more individual attention and care in the lead-up to starting primary school thanks to the new ratios of one educator for every 11 pupils, down from one per 15.

Students at Brady Road Kindergarten in Bentleigh received a surprising welcome on Monday from Ms Mikakos, along with the Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos.

Alpha Children’s Centre in Richmond, where children from multicultural backgrounds learn Greek.

The facility is currently undergoing a facelift as part of the Labor government’s $50 million kinder improvements commitment.

“In 2016 we are delivering better services and strengthening the quality of our early years services so Victorian kids get a great start in life,” said Ms Mikakos.
“I wish all children starting kindergarten and their families a happy and successful year, as we get on with the job of making Victoria the Education State.”

The MP also paid a visit to Alpha Children’s Centre in Richmond, which has been running a Greek bilingual program for more than 40 years.