The Victorian Government is supporting more children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to access and attend kindergarten.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced $7.47 million in CALD Outreach Initiative grants for 25 councils, including Yarra Ranges Council and Maroondah City Council, to help children from multicultural families across Victoria access and attend kindergarten.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said every parent wants to give their child the best start in life.
“We’re delivering more support to families from multicultural backgrounds so more Victorian children can access Free Kinder and more parents have the freedom to go back to work if and when they choose,” she said.
“Our expansion of the CALD Outreach Initiative to an unprecedented 25 councils across the state will ensure kids in even more Victorian communities get the best start in life – which is exactly what they deserve.”
Under the CALD Outreach Initiative, CALD teams employed by councils work directly with local families to support kindergarten enrolments, lead information sessions to build a better understanding of kindergarten, enable families and educators to maximise attendance and help families with the transition from kinder to school.
“Young children have so much to gain and learn from the opportunities provided through kindergarten – we’re making sure that every child, no matter their background, can have the very best start in life,” said Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt.
CALD outreach teams have helped more than 6,000 children with multicultural backgrounds enrol and attend kindergarten since the initiative started in 2021, across eight local councils.
Under the expanded program, more children from multicultural backgrounds in more communities will now benefit from the Labor Government’s $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms.
The nation-leading reforms are transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
The 2024-25 Victorian Budget invests $9.4 million over three years into the Strengthening participation of CALD children in early childhood education initiative.
Additional funding provided to the Municipal Association of Victoria, as part of the initiative, supports council-led outreach programs and activities, and shares key learnings and insights with all councils across the state.
