The Allan Labor Government is giving busy Victorian families better access to affordable, quality and convenient kinder and childcare - with enrolments now open for Victoria's first state-owned and state-run childcare centres.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced that families in Sunshine, Eaglehawk North, Fawkner and Murtoa can now apply to enrol their children at one of the new state-run centres.
The 419 children that will enrol in these centres will be the first to benefit from the 50 new childcare centres delivered through a nation-leading investment by the Labor Government.
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.
To ditch the dreaded double drop-off and give busy families a hub for the services they need close to home, the centres are located on local school sites with space for other supports like maternal and child health and playgroups.
Up to 130 licensed places will be available for children up to the age of five at the Sunshine and Moomba Park Primary School centres, with 102 places at the Eaglehawk North Primary School and 57 places at Murtoa College.
Each childcare centre will also offer long day care, including high-quality kindergarten programs for three- and four-year-olds - with a sessional kindergarten option also available in Murtoa.
By 2032, the Labor Government will establish 50 centres as part of these nation-leading reforms - delivering quality childcare and Free Kinder to communities where early childhood education and care is needed most.
Early Learning Victoria (ELV) will lead the delivery and day-to-day operations of Victoria's childcare centres. To apply for enrolment, visit vic.gov.au/early-learning-victoria
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"We're helping busy families access the services they need and saving them thousands with Free Kinder."
"Childcare is a Commonwealth responsibility. But busy parents need more support. That's why we're stepping in."
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"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."
As stated by Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly
"These new early learning and childcare centres will become valuable community assets - ditching the dreaded double drop-off so that local families can get the services they need close to home."
