Grovedale’s Greenville Kindergarten is set to expand to meet growing demand for places, following the announcement of a $453,000 grant as part of the State Government’s Building Blocks program.
The funding received by the City of Greater Geelong working in partnership with BCYF, will upgrade the existing kindergarten building to create an additional playroom, disability accessible toilets, kitchen servery, and a staff meeting room.
“We’re thrilled to be able to provide more families in the Grovedale area with the opportunity to access high quality early childhood education, and to provide children with a space where they can play and learn, developing creative and curious minds,” said Julie Molloy, BCYF’s Manager Early Years Education and Community.
“We know that delivering quality educational programs in the early years prepares children for success at school and throughout life. With the introduction of Government subsidised three-year-old kindergarten, children in Geelong now have the opportunity to access two years of funded kindergarten,” she said.
The kindergarten is currently using half the existing building as a single room four-year-old kindergarten. Next year it will also offer 15 three-year-old places.
In 2023 following the completion of works, the capacity will double from 60 to a potential 132 places across the two rooms.
“This additional play space is much needed and will enable BCYF to re-introduce a three-year-old kindergarten program at Greenville Kindergarten extending access to our educational approach that combines wellbeing with learning for educational success,” Ms Molloy added.
Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said “I’m proud to announce this much-needed funding to upgrade and expand Greenville Kindergarten. One of my boys attended here and had a fantastic experience, so this kinder has a special place in my heart.”
Refurbishment of the City of Greater Geelong owned building is scheduled to start early next year.
City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the funding would help meet the growing needs of the community, resulting in easier access for families and create a greater sense of connectedness.
“Given the rapid population growth in our region, demand for kinder places will increase significantly over the next decade,” Cr Sullivan said.
“The council is pleased to be working together with service providers including BCYF to achieve better outcomes for children and families, and we thank the Victorian Government for this important funding.”
BCYF manages seven kindergartens in the Barwon South-West region including Geelong and Colac. Greenville recently joined five other BCYF operated kindergartens in achieving a rating of ‘Exceeding’ the National Quality Standard (NQS).
Enrolments for 2022 and beyond are now open. For more information on BCYF’s kindergarten programs phone 5226 8900 or families can register online at www.bcyfkindergartens.org.au
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