Bright Future for Eltham and Lower Plenty Kinders

Lower Plenty Kindergarten and Eltham Preschool operators will soon be transitioned from Bestchance Kinders to YMCA Ballarat.

YMCA is an existing early years provider with a long track record of working well alongside communities to deliver great early childhood services. 

This transition gives certainty to local families and opens the way for the spread of funded 15 hours of 3 year old kinder in the local community.

Labor is investing almost $5 billion over the next decade to deliver a full 15 hours of three-year-old kinder.  The roll out of these full 15 hours has begun this year, with the Eltham electorate benefiting from 2022.

Research by conducted by community service provider Uniting shows that nearly one in five families do not have their children enrolled in early learning because of the cost.

Around a quarter of Victorian families will pay nothing at all for 15 hours of 3 year old kinder. For families with a higher income, the Andrews Labor Government will cover 65 per cent of their child’s kindergarten costs, consistent with the current subsidy for four-year-old kinder. This represents a saving of at least $3500 for families whose children attend a standalone kinder.

YMCA Ballarat is very supportive of the Andrews’ Government’s 3 year old kinder program and has developed a growth strategy that will accomodate these new enrolments, ensuring the sustainability of high-quality services. 

Quotes attributable to Vicki Ward MP, Member for Eltham

“The nurturing and supportive cultures of these two Kinders, with their emphasis on bush kinder and learning through play, will continue under YMCA Ballarat.  The good news for local families is that the future is bright for Eltham Pre School and Lower Plenty Kindergarten”