By Casey Neill
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges is on a mission to boost preschool attendance.
The council has received a $40,000 Federal Government grant to run a kindergarten participation project, which will help determine why some families are not sending their children to kindergarten, and ways to help them.
The shire’s preschool participation rate is 89 per cent – lower than the rate for metropolitan and rural Victoria.
Mayor Len Cox said location and affordability were among issues preventing parents sending children to kindergarten. He said kindergarten played a vital role in a child’s development.
Preschool students learn important skills for mixing with other children and adults, allowing them to focus on learning and self-development when they begin school.
“Research shows that children who attend kindergarten are better prepared for school,” Cr Cox said.
The shire’s Early Years Project team will work with kindergarten committees and support groups to find ways to help more families access preschool programs.
Cr Cox encouraged families with difficulty accessing kindergarten to call preschool development officer Claire Rock on 1300 368 333.
Latest
Communities across the Dandenongs unite for Anzac Day
Across the Dandenongs, communities gathered early on Anzac Day to honour the fallen and reflect on the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand...
