Victorian children could be the losers if the Federal Government refuses to continue funding kindergartens.
Despite evidence linking kinder attendance to improved student results in numeracy, reading and spelling, the Turnbull Government still has not committed to funding 5 hours of kinder a week – around $100 million for Victoria – after the current National Partnership Agreement ends in December.
As part of that agreement the State Government provides funding for another 10 hours, to meet the national target of providing access to 15 hours of kinder a week for four year olds. Parents and councils also provide funding to help to make up the shortfalls.
If the funding ends, parents who can’t afford extra child care to cover the lost day of kinder will find it harder to return to work. And parents who are already working could face up to $2000 extra per year per child, even after child care subsidies, if they’re forced to pay for an extra day of child care each week.
Victorian Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos has launched a State Government petition in the lead-up to the Federal Budget, asking for communities to show support for a renewal of the National Partnership Agreement.
“Federal funding is integral to delivering more hours at kindergarten to more children. Having to regularly face this insecurity and worry takes a toll on both services and families,” Minister Mikakos said.
“15 hours of kindergarten makes an enormous difference to a child in the year before school. Research clearly links kindergarten participation with better school performance, and improved job prospects and higher wages on entering the workforce.”
Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Interim President Coral Ross said kindergarten, or preschool, was a critical time in a child’s development and urged communities to sign the petition to show the Federal Government that cutting funding would be unacceptable.
“Kindergarten gives our children the best start at a critical time in their development and helps to prepare them for school,” Councillor Ross said.
“Many families already struggle with the rising costs of childcare and school, so to lose 5 hours of funded kinder would really hurt those who need it most.
“Victorian communities already contribute 35 per cent of the cost of kinder through fees, fundraising and local government support. In addition, more than $300 million of ratepayer funds was invested by councils over four years to build the facilities needed to deliver 15 hours.
“It is only fair that the Federal Government contributes its share, particularly for something that is so important to our children’s future.”
