The State Government is giving local kids more opportunities for learning and play, with Pakenham kids a part of a round of grants for new toys and equipment rolling out to around 2,900 kindergartens across the state.
Member for Pakenham, Emma Vulin announced on Wednesday 16 August a $5,000 grant for every State Government-funded kindergarten and long day-care service in the area, to go to new toys for their Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.
“We’re ensuring every kinder in Pakenham/Officer has the educational toys and games needed to encourage our children to grow and learn and let their imaginations run free,” Ms Vulin Said.
“Victoria leads the nation when it comes to early childhood education – two years of quality play-based learning gives our children the skills they need to succeed in school and life.”
The grants will help each kindergarten buy age-appropriate and inclusive toys such as construction blocks, musical instruments, puzzles, chalk, gardening tools and sensory toys – encouraging children of all
abilities to use their imagination and creativity while learning through play.
With wear and tear inevitable, services will be encouraged to purchase toys made of natural and sustainable materials, extending their durability and keeping them out of landfill.
Services will also be asked to purchase locally made products wherever possible – supporting local jobs and businesses and saving money.
The one-off grants are part of a $14.7 million investment toward toys and equipment for State-funded kindergartens in Victoria
Research shows that quality play-based learning helps lay the foundation for success throughout a child’s education and life.
By playing with educational toys and games, children use their imagination and practise important skills, such as problem-solving, while also learning to listen, share and take turns.
This grant is during the State Government ‘Best Start, Best Life’ program roll-out to childcare.
This is $1.8 billion program over five years that supports the transition to in free kinder for Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten and starts ‘Pre-Prep’ program from 2025, while also initiating new and upgraded kindergartens across the state.
Up to 140,000 children and families have experienced the first year of free kinder, with having children 5 to 15 hours of funded kindergarten each week, helping parents return to work or study if they choose.
