Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Federal Member for Isaacs, has welcomed $25,000 in Australian Government funding to assist child care centres in Greater Dandenong to improve the quality of their services.
Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Federal Member for Isaacs, has welcomed $25,000 in Australian Government funding to assist child care centres in Greater Dandenong to improve the quality of their services.
"This funding will improve outcomes for the most vulnerable children in the Greater Dandenong community by providing support directly to services operating in areas of highest need," Mr Dreyfus said.
The Australian Government is implementing a National Quality Framework for child care centres, to ensure children get the best quality care and education in the critical first five years of life.
The National Quality Framework will improve staff to child ratios so that each child receives more individual care and attention. The Framework will also require staff to have formal qualifications so they are better equipped to lead the activities that help children learn and develop.
Mr Dreyfus said five services in Greater Dandenong would be eligible to access a grant of up to $5000 to help them improve the quality of their service so as to meet the National Quality Standard.
The services that are eligible for the grant include:
- A.B.C. Developmental Learning Centre - Noble Park Central
- Canberra Avenue Child Care Centre
- Keysborough Community Childrens Centre
- Noble Park Child Care Centre
- Small Ones Live and Learn Centre
"This new funding can be used for a range of things, including hiring relief staff so that child care workers can attend professional development courses or upgrade their qualifications," Mr Dreyfus said.
"Centres might also choose to spend the money on new educational play equipment for children or to improve the quality and safety of play spaces."
"When it comes to child care, even a small amount of funding can go a long way to helping services provide the best start in life for Australian children."
"The Australian Government recognises just how important education is during a child's early years and that is why we have more than doubled funding to the sector, providing $20 billion in early childhood education and care over the next 4 years."
Further information on the National Quality Framework available at http://www.mychild.gov.au/
