Families in Sunshine will be the first to benefit from new affordable childcare centres offering convenient access.
The state government initiative has enrolments now opened for new state-run centres, with one of them located within the Sunshine Primary School grounds on Hampshire Road.
Fees will be lower than the average for each area. This support and other subsidies mean families on low incomes will typically pay only a small fee each day. All government-owned centres will also include free kinder, the government said.
The initiative will help local parents to avoid a double drop-off of school aged and pre-school-aged children in the mornings, acting as a hub for busy families.
The centre comes with space for other supports like maternal and child health and playgroups.
Up to 130 places will be available at the Sunshine Primary School site for children up to the age of five.
Premier Jacinta Allan said busy families will be the biggest beneficiaries of the new centres.
“Childcare is a Commonwealth responsibility. But busy parents need more support. That’s why we’re stepping in … and saving them thousands with free kinder,” she said.
Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said making childcare more affordable and accessible is integral to building a strong future.
“We’re stepping in to deliver unprecedented investment in early childhood education to help our littlest Victorians and their families access quality early education and care – when and where it’s needed most,” she said.
Enrol: vic.gov.au/early-learning-victoria
