Grants to make kindergartens more accessible open

Kindergartens in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay will have a chance to secure state government grants to fund specialist equipment.

The state government grants will help centres upgrade facilities or purchase equipment to provide safe and inclusive environments for children of all needs and abilities.

Early Childhood Minister Ingrid Stitt said applications are open for the latest round of the Building Blocks: Inclusion Stream grants program.

“Every Victorian child deserves equipment that suits and enhances their individual educational needs,” she said.

“It is vital that early childhood services are equipped with modern technology to make sure that Victorian children get a great start in life.

“Upgrading facilities or buying specialist equipment to provide our children with a safe and inclusive learning environment is crucial to ensuring all children can participate in kindergarten.”

Grants of up to $200,000 are available to fund infrastructure upgrades to buildings and playgrounds, while grants of up to $10,000 are on offer for portable inclusive education equipment.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 invests $11.9 million to deliver two further rounds of the Building Blocks Inclusion grants to making kindergarten buildings, playgrounds and equipment across the state more inclusive and accessible for every child.

Details: schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.