Wednesday, 11 May 2022

Ministers statements: kindergarten funding

Ms STITT (Western Metropolitan—Minister for Workplace Safety, Minister for Early Childhood) (12:03): We know how important it is for all children to have access to high-quality kinder education, and one of the many benefits of children now starting kinder at the age of three is that teachers can identify developmental delays and concerns at an early stage.

In this year’s budget I am really proud that we are investing $28.8 million to support children with a disability to access three- and four-year-old kinder in a way that is inclusive and meets their needs. $16.9 million is allocated over four years for the kindergarten inclusion support program to meet growing demand. The KIS program enables children with a disability or complete medical needs to participate in kinder by providing access to additional staff, specialist training and building modifications. Since 2018 our government has invested a total of $32.5 million in the KIS program.

This budget also delivers $11.9 million for a further two rounds of the very successful Building Blocks inclusion program. This expands on the $18 million in the previous budgets. To date this program has funded a total of 759 projects. Inclusion grants are being used for a range of purposes to support the access and inclusion of children with a range of special needs. Services are able to make modifications to their buildings, such as installing access ramps or upgrading bathroom facilities. Many kinders have upgraded their playgrounds to develop sensory gardens, and services are purchasing toys and equipment that cater for children with a range of abilities. These important investments are all about ensuring that all kids, no matter what their needs and abilities are, can experience the joy and learning of being at kinder.