All kinder programs in Victoria are to be free for Term Three as a new relief package is launched to support early childhood services through the pandemic.
Minister for Education, James Merlino announced an extension to the free sessional kinder support and a further $1.6 million in grants through the School Readiness Funding program for kindergartens to help deliver early childhood education to children learning at home.
In a statement, Mr Merlino said kinders could use the extra funding to access a range of online programs containing high-quality play-based learning activities for parents to do with their children at home.
“This funding will be available to services that are not yet receiving funding through the $160 million School Readiness Funding initiative and already able to access these supports,” Mr Merlino said.
“Under Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne, permitted workers are able to access childcare and kinder if there is no one else in their household who is able to supervise their child,” he said.
“This may be for a range of reasons including the other parent could be a full-time student and must attend onsite, has a disability, or be working from home such that they cannot supervise the child, or there may be no other adults in the household.”
Mr Merlino said early childhood care and education services in regional and rural Victoria could continue to operate as normal under Stage Three restrictions.
“The Government will increase funding for sessional kinder services across regional and rural Victoria, meaning parents across the state will be able to send their children to kindergarten for free during Term Three,” the Minister said.
