More children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds will receive support to access and attend kindergarten across 25 councils including Whittlesea.
Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn announced $7.47 million in CALD Outreach Initiative grants for councils including Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Melton, Hume, and Whittlesea, to help children from multicultural families access and attend kindergarten.
“Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life. We’re delivering more support to families from multicultural backgrounds so more Victorian children can access Free Kinder and more parents have the freedom to go back to work if and when they choose,” she said.
Under the CALD Outreach Initiative, CALD teams employed by councils work directly with local families to support kindergarten enrolments, lead information sessions to build a better understanding of kindergarten, enable families and educators to maximise attendance and help families with the transition from kinder to school.
CALD outreach teams have helped more than 6000 children with multicultural backgrounds enrol and attend kindergarten since the initiative started in 2021.
Under the expanded program, more children from multicultural backgrounds in more communities.
The nation-leading reforms are transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt said every child deserves a good start to their education.
“Young children have so much to gain and learn from the opportunities provided through kindergarten – we’re making sure that every child, no matter their background, can have the very best start in life,” she said.
Additional funding provided to the Municipal Association of Victoria, as part of the initiative, supports council-led outreach programs and activities, and shares key learnings and insights with all councils across the state.
