Grants help childcare centres

FIVE Greater Dandenong child care centres are eligible for Federal Government grants to improve services.
AMB Developmental Learning Centre Noble Park Central, Canberra Avenue Child Care Centre, Keysborough Community Childrens Centre, Noble Park Child Care Centre and Small Once Live and Learn Centre are all eligible for a $5000 grant to be able to meet national quality standard.
Federal Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus said the funding would help improve early education in the critical first five years.
“This funding will improve outcomes for the most vulnerable children in the Greater Dandenong community by providing support directly to services operating in the areas of highest need,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“When it comes to child care, even a small amount of funding can go a long way to helping services provide the best start in life for Australian children.”
The Federal Government is implementing a national quality framework, which will improve staff to child ratios and require staff to have formal qualifications.
“This new funding can be used for a range of things, including hiring relief staff, so that child care workers can attend professional development courses or upgrade their qualifications,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“Centres might also choose to spend the money on new educational play equipment for children or to improve the quality and safety of play spaces.”