By Molly Magennis
Thousands of kindergarten aged kids across the state, including in Altona, will now get the chance to explore different languages and cultures through the expanded roll-out of the state government’s Early Childhood Language Program.
Early Childhood Minister Ingrid Stitt visited Tarneit Central Kindergarten on March 7 to announce the expansion, which will see another 47 kindergarten services join the program.
One of the centres is the Altona Early Years Hub, where the children will be learning Spanish.
Centre assistant director Casey Aldridge said everyone involved feels very lucky to have been chosen to take part in the program.
“The educator who’s delivering the program is excited that she’s able to share her home language with the children of Altona and Altona hub,” she said.
“I put it out to the families in the development process on how they would feel and they were all really receiving of it. You know, learning any second language is really good….so [we’re] excited for that.”
The program is delivered by a qualified language teacher alongside kindergarten staff who incorporate languages into everyday learning experiences such as play, stories, art, music and singing.
So far the centre has only run three classes, but they usually consist of playing Spanish music and reading Spanish stories.
“We’ve also purchased books that are in English, so we can read them in Spanish first and then later in that day read them in English that way children get used to both of them.
“It’s just incorporating words throughout the day.”
Minister Stitt said the program will not only give more opportunities to kids, but also create more jobs in the sector.
“We know that it’s fun to explore different languages and cultures – but this program is also providing Victorian kids with long-term benefits including important foundational skills and a strong sense of community,” she said.
