Why is Early Start Kindergarten important?
Accessing high quality early childhood education for two years has a substantial and positive impact on a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social skills (Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation, 2018). Research shows that two years of kindergarten also has a bigger impact on children’s long term development and health compared with one year of kindergarten, which can lead to stronger academic outcomes at school (Fox and Geddes, 2016). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families can learn about the benefits of kindergarten through Koorie Kids Shine.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, your child must be three by 30 April in the year they start kindergarten and meet one of the following criteria:
• be from a refugee or asylum seeker background
• identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• your family has had contact with Child Protection.
The Victorian Government is rolling out funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten – from five hours a week. During the roll-out, Early Start Kindergarten will continue to provide 15 hours a week of funded kindergarten.
Funding applications for Early Start Kindergarten are made by the service on your behalf and the grant is paid directly to the service. More information You can find out more about Early Start Kindergarten on the Department of Education website.
How can you access Early Start Kindergarten?
- Contact an ECMS service or any kindergarten near you, or your local council. You can ask for help if you need an interpreter.
- Ask any professional who supports you, including your Child FIRST or Child Protection worker, maternal and child health nurse, bicultural worker or supported playgroup facilitator, to do this for you.
- Contact your Early Childhood Implementation Branch.
Like to enrol?
Get in touch today
