Nine Greater Geelong early learning centres are the first in Victoria to be recognised as ‘healthy early childhood services’ through the State Government’s Healthy Together Achievement Program.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Georgie Crozier visited Geelong City Learning and Care Ariston today to present awards to childcare centres in the Geelong region.
“The Healthy Together Achievement Program supports early childhood services, schools and workplaces to create healthier environments for learning and working,” Ms Crozier said.
“In Geelong, this represents more than 558 children who are actively learning about healthy living and setting a lifetime of healthy habits.”
The initiative is set to become popular at childcare centres throughout Victoria, with 1000 childhood services already registered.
The first stage of the program involves recognition for sun smart practices, protecting children from skin and eye damage.
“Children and staff use a range of protective measures, including SPF 50+ sunscreen and hats before heading outside, and services have ensured that there is plenty of outdoor shade.” Ms Crozier said.
City of Greater Geelong Community Development portfolio holder Cr Kylie Fisher congratulated the City Learning & Care Children’s Centres on achieving the state level recognition.
“It’s great to see the centres have implemented these vital sun protection measures, especially at this time of year when the sun is so strong,” Cr Fisher said.
Centres to be recognised include City Learning and Care Ariston, Trudy Moritz, Corio, Belmont, The Link, Drysdale and Ocean Grove, Rix Street Kindergarten and Leopold Kindergarten.
Future implementations will include encouraging children to eat healthier, and drink water instead of sugary soft drinks.
The Achievement Program is part of the Victorian Government’s Healthy Together Victoria, a statewide preventative health effort encouraging all Victorians to put good health at the centre of their everyday lives, funded jointly with the Commonwealth through the National Partnership Agreement on Preventative Health.
