New $2.5m Early Learning and Care Centre for Foster

Minister for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Kate Ellis, and the Victorian Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand, today announced a new Early Learning and Care Centre in South Gippsland.

The new centre will be built at Foster and will be jointly funded by the Federal Government ($1.85 million), the Victorian Government ($500 000) and the South Gippsland Shire ($200 000).

“The first few years of a child’s life set them on a road to adulthood – we want that road to take them to good health, education and social development,” Ms Ellis said.

“Early childhood education is so important to the social, emotional and educational growth of children. Studies show quality early childhood experiences can overcome disadvantage and set children on the path to a happy and healthy life,” she said.

The Foster centre will cater for up to 58 children and offer long day care, kindergarten, family day care, occasional care, maternal and child health, play groups, parenting programs and allied health services.

It will be built adjacent to the South Gippsland Secondary College and within walking distance of Foster Primary School.

Ms Morand said the new centre at Foster will give families access to integrated family and children’s services under one roof, making it easier for working families to access services.

“The Brumby Labor Government knows how important quality early education is for children and that’s why we’ve committed more than $47 million to fund 98 new children’s centres across the State – 51 of these are already open and operating,” she said.

“We want to give Victorian children, through new centres such as this great facility at Foster, every opportunity to learn so that they can have the best possible future.”

The Foster centre will open by the end of this year and cater for communities including Foster, Yanakie, Fish Creek, Sandy Point, Waratah Bay, Port Franklin, Toora, Welshpool, Port Welshpool and Walkerville.

The Rudd Government is investing $114.5 million in 38 new Early Learning and Care Centres across Australia as part of the Government’s Education Revolution.

For further information visit mychild.gov.au.