CH kindy rankings confirm importance of early learning investment

Mayor Kerry Hayes has commended Central Highlands childcare centres, following new federal government data regarding quality standards.

The National Quality Framework, Australia’s system for regulating early learning and school-age care, released the data last week, ranking childcare centres as working toward, meeting or exceeding the standards.

‘Of the 18 childcare facilities listed in our region, one was working towards, 10 met the standards and seven exceeded them,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘This is testament to the hard work and dedication of these centres and confirms the importance of investing in quality early childhood education places to improve the liveability of our communities.’

Mayor Hayes said the redevelopment of the Emerald Community Kindergarten was an example of council’s commitment to future-proofing these vital community assets.

‘Work on the expansion and new building is well underway at the Retro Street site,’ he said.

‘The new facility will house a three-room kindergarten, a multipurpose room, on-site storage and parking. It will also incorporate inclusive design features enabling the kindergarten to offer more places for children with special needs, as well as creating 15 equivalent full-time jobs.’

The $2.7 million dollar project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund and Central Highlands Regional Council.

Construction is due for completion in December 2021.