Federal Government urged to keep up with kindergarten

Families could be out of pocket $2000 per child unless the Federal Government commits to fund kindergartens on an ongoing basis.

In the lead up to the release of the 2019 Federal budget on April 2 the City of Whittlesea has joined the I Love Kinder campaign, driven by Municipal Association of Victoria, to secure ongoing funding from the Federal Government.

Mayor Lawrie Cox said currently the Federal Government provides five hours of kindergarten a week for every four-year-old, while states like the Victorian Government provide 10 hours.

“Unfortunately, the Federal Government has only committed to fund their share until December 2019, leaving families in limbo,” he said.

“If the Federal Government does not provide ongoing funding, families throughout Australia could be worse off and children could miss out on the quality education they deserve.”

Cr Cox said there are currently 2558 kids enrolled in kinder in the City of Whittlesea.

“If the Federal Government does not fund their education on an ongoing basis then their families could be stuck paying an extra $2000 out of their own pockets, that is simply unacceptable,” he said.

“Children who have a quality early education generally have a smoother transition to primary school. They have better social and cognitive skills and have superior literacy and numeracy compared to those who don’t attend kinder.

“In school and beyond young people who attend kinder also remain ahead of those who don’t. They’re more likely to finish Year 12 and on average they experience higher levels of employment, financial security, health and wellbeing.

“A quality kinder education is an investment in our future. If the Federal Government fails to recognise that then they will not only be failing children and families, they will be failing Australia.”

To get involved in the I Love Kinder campaign visit: ilovekinder.org.au