At last week's $2.2 milion state government funding announcement on site toward a new privately operated long day care centre and kindergarten in Cowes are from left Jordan Crugnale MP with Cr Tracey Bell, D'Lene Johnson, Director of 5 Outcomes, with Steve Bright who is Excelcon director and the project builder.
A new and privately owned kindergarten, currently under construction in Cowes, has been granted $2.2 million in state government funding, ahead of its planned opening next year.
The facility, which will offer long day care and kindergarten, is being built at 39 Dunsmore Road, opposite the Phillip Island Bowling Club, with the owners successfully applying to the state government for early learning grant monies to deliver the 66-place early learning facility.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP announced the $2.2 million grant last week.
Ms Crugnale said it would give children on Phillip Island easier access to kindergarten, offering programs for 3-5 year-olds and also long day care.
"Our community is growing and we're building on the strong foundation of early childhood education with new and expanded kinders across our community which ensures that our kids have the best start in life," Ms Crugnale said.
D'Lene Johson, Director of 5 Outcomes, which is the name of the company behind the new venture, said the new centre would give families flexibility with a choice of days and longer hours per day and "provide a high-quality educational program, delivered by bachelor qualified teachers".
"We are thrilled to have received this grant to bring Phillip Island Kindergarten into the community and are really looking forward to becoming part of the Cowes community and supporting families in their children's education," D'Lene said.
Bass Coast Shire councillor Tracey Bell described the announcement as a fantastic outcome for the community.
"We are grateful to 5 Outcomes and the State Government for their partnership in delivering this much-needed service. Having this new kindergarten join the centralised enrolment system (CRES) will ensure local families have greater access to quality early education. We look forward to continuing our work with the State and Federal Governments to strengthen local education and training opportunities, supporting a skilled workforce for the future."
The state government is aiming to deliver 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of pre-prep each week by 2036.
