The state government is giving every child the opportunity to learn more through play, with grants for fun and educational toys and equipment rolling out to around 2,900 kindergartens across the state.
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne announced a $5,000 grant for every Victorian Government-funded kindergarten and long day-care service in the area to buy new toys and equipment for their Three-and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.
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.
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.
The government said services will also be asked to purchase locally made products wherever possible.
According to the government, 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.
The government is also investing an additional $1.8 billion over five years to support the Best Start, Best Life.
The funding locks in Free Kinder and continues the roll-out of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and starts the transition to Pre-Prep from 2025.
The government said up to 140,000 children and families are already benefiting from the first year of Free Kinder, which gives children 5 to 15 hours of funded kindergarten each week, saves families up to $2,500 in fees per child and helps parents return to work or study if they choose.
“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,” said Ms Horne.
