Dandenong Primary School is among the winners of the 2018 Victorian Early Years Awards held at the National Gallery of Victoria on Tuesday, 23 October.
Its innovative three-year-old kinder program Step into Kinder won the category for supporting parents to build their capacity and confidence.
It partnered with City of Greater Dandenong, The Smith Family and the R E Ross Trust.
The award included $15,000 for the school to continue its innovation.
Teacher Alison Rogers led much of the ground-breaking work.
She said the high-quality program catered for families who couldn’t otherwise access three-year-old kindergarten due to cost and travel.
It also identified children needing early interventions.
“Through establishing our school-based three-year-old kinder program, we are able to meet the needs of children and families in our community.”
Principal Daniel Riley said the school was committed to early childhood learning.
“Early childhood is the foundation for lifelong wellbeing and learning.”
The Victorian Early Years Awards recognise the crucial work of early years professionals who make a difference in the lives of Victorian children and families.
“It’s inspirational to hear about lasting impact these individuals and organisations have all had on children during the vital early years,” then-Early Childhood Education Minister Jenny Mikakos said.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the Step into Kinder program had “helped change young lives for the better”.
“Children are the future of our state – and it’s those who teach them and nurture them that have untold impact on them and our community.”
The kindergarten meets at Dandenong Primary School, on Fridays from 9am-11am, during the school term.
