$9m cash boost makes Victoria’s kinders more accessible for children with disabilities

Children with disabilities will have more freedom and independence at kinder than before, thanks to ‘lifechanging’ upgrades and renovations taking place at more than 400 centres.

More Victorian kindergartens will be equipped with mobility tools, adjustable furniture and sensory equipment. Picture: Getty Images,

More Victorian kindergartens will be equipped with mobility tools, adjustable furniture and sensory equipment, thanks to a cash boost that will make early learning centres more accessible for children with a disability.

More than 400 services across the state will receive a share of $9m in state government funding to upgrade their facilities and buy specialist equipment, Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn announced on Wednesday.

Grants of up to $200k will be shared among 41 kinders to help deliver upgrades to buildings, playgrounds and amenities, while another 361 services will receive up to $10k to purchase movable and accessible equipment.

Ms Blandthorn said the renovations and upgrades will help children engage in activities, build skills and ensure early learning is inclusive for all abilities.

“Every child deserves to actively participate at kindergarten, no matter their ability,” she said.

“These grants will make sure kinders have the inclusive facilities and equipment they need to support all children to grow, learn and play.”

Yarra Park Children’s Centre and Kindergarten removed tanbark and levelled out its outdoor area to make it more accessible. Picture: Supplied

About 5.4 per cent of Victorian children enrolled in early learning programs have a disability, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, with disability advocates long calling for childcare, kinder and school services to be more accessible for these children.

Yarra Park and Powlett Reserve Children’s Centre and kindergartens are two centres which have already undergone renovations to their yards to make them more accessible.

Prior to the upgrades, the outside areas had tanbark and uneven surfaces, making it difficult for children with walkers and other mobility aides to navigate the playground without assistance from a teacher.

But since levelling the playground and introducing more bridges and ramps, these children can independently play on the same equipment as their friends.

East Melbourne Child Care Co-operative executive director Rebecca Vouch described the funding and renovations as “life changing”.

“One of our children had a little walker that she held onto and on the first day we opened the yard, she just pushed her walker and the smile on her face just made it all worth it,” Ms Vouch said.

“Having these open, accessible play spaces just open up a whole world of possibilities for children.”

Yarra Park Children’s Centre and Kindergarten is one centre which has already undergone renovations to its yard to make it more accessible to children with disabilities. Picture: Supplied

Among the centres receiving funding is Highgate Early Learning Centre in Ashburton, which will see it’s outdoor playground be transformed into an inclusive play space for children of all abilities.

The area will feature a multi-entry climbing space, sandpit, cubbyhouse and sensory garden.

Warburton Preschool, which is managed by Yarra Ranges Kindergarten, will also have its outdoor area revitalised with a natural climbing fort and slides, a bike track and yarning circle.

“We’re supporting the diverse needs of Victoria’s children by making hundreds of kindergartens safer, more engaging and inclusive, so all children can grow and thrive from the best start in life,” Ms Blandthorn said.

Originally published as $9m cash boost makes Victoria’s kinders more accessible for children with disabilities