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.
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.
