Language lessons to be taught at kindergartens under $60m State Government Budget plan

VICTORIAN kindergartens will teach children languages for the first time under a new $60m education package, with plans to build new facilities also announced by the Andrews Government.

VICTORIAN kindergartens will teach children languages for the first time under a new $60 million education package announced by the Andrews Government.

Children at 120 early learning centres will be given access to language classes under a $17.9m funding commitment in the 2018/19 Budget.

The package also include $43m to build new facilities creating up to 3000 new places.

Premier Daniel Andrews visited a centre in McKinnon this morning saying children should have the “best kinder programs”.

RELATED CONTENT:

CHILDREN WHO ATTEND PRESCHOOL MORE SOCIALLY MATURE

VICTORIA’S TOP KINDERGARTEN TEACHER ON EFFECTS OF ‘SCREEN TIME’

VICTORIA’S BEST AND WORST CHILDCARE CENTRES

“This is a massive boost for kinder,” Mr Andrews said.

“These 3000 extra places... will help many families across the state.”

Minister for Early Education Jenny Mikakos said research showed language classes were beneficial to helping children learn later in life.

Daniel Andrews joins children at the McKinnon centre for the announcement.

While still tackling their English ABCs, children are set to learn other languages. Picture: Derek Moore

About 120 kindergartens will benefit from the language program with a further 10 to carry out bilingual lessons.

“We know that language is important for brain development and it can help children learn English as well,” Ms Mikakos said.

MORE BUDGET NEWS:

SCHOOL CROSSINGS TO BE UPGRADED UNDER BUDGET PLAN

CASH PUT ASIDE TO PUT NORTH EAST LINK IN THE FAST LANE

Kindergartens will be able to consult with their community about which languages to focus on and apply for funding.

Ms Mikakos said “it is for the kindergarten themselves to determine”.

She expected strong interest in languages such as Mandarin, Italian, Vietnamese and indigenous dialects.