More Macedon Ranges three-year-old kindergartens will offer increased hours in 2024, following the state government’s commitment to increase funded hours over the next six years.
On August 17, Macedon Ranges council said its Lancefield, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Woodend kindergartens will all be able to offer 15 hours per week of three-year-old kindergarten next year.
Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre and Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre will also be able to offer the additional hours.
Council’s director community Maria Weiss said access to three-year-old kindergarten in 2024 has been prioritised due to some centres having limited vacancies.
“We are pleased that we have been able to provide an increase in three-year-old hours for more of our kindergartens, compared to last year,” she said.
“There are so many exciting things happening in the early childhood area more broadly. Some of our kindergartens have recently received upgrades in the form of new equipment and improvements to play areas.
“We have the brand new Lancefield Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health Centre set to open next year.”
Kyneton and Macedon kindergartens will continue to offer 7.5 hours of three-year-old kindergarten in 2024, due to limited vacancies and capacity.
Four-year-old kindergarten hours will remain consistent at 15 hours per week, with the state government set to transition four-year-old kindergarten to pre-prep from 2025.
The funded hours will increase to 30 hours a week, and by 2032, all Victorian children will be eligible for 30 hours a week of pre-prep.
This year Macedon Ranges council provided three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten services to more than 900 children across the shire across its eight kindergartens.
Offers for 2024 kindergarten places are currently being finalised, and families who have been offered a place will be notified soon.
Details: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Live-Work/Children/Kindergarten
