Kiah Preschool staff were delighted with the funding news. Pictured are Janine Baker, Lynn Benge, Pius CEO Donna Taylor, Jessica Duncan, Vicky Sampson, Jillian Knox, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Pius Chairperson Cathy Duncan, Kim Connors, Mia Haines and Deborah Turner.
Thursday, 28 February 2019
FAMILIES in Moree will have more opportunities to find preschool places following an investment of $146,000 to upgrade and expand early childhood education services at Pius X Aboriginal Corporation Kiah Preschool as part of the NSW Government Capital Works program.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall visited Kiah Preschool on Tuesday to announce the funding which will enable the preschool to construct additional space for extra students and expand its playground to cater for growing demand.
“Once construction is completed, Kiah Preschool will be able to accommodate 20 more pre-schoolers which is a great win for the community, boosting learning outcomes and parenting options,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’m delighted to announce this funding to give local children and families high quality early childhood education in improved and expanded facilities.
“The school won’t have to turn families away any longer and the transition program will be greatly enhanced.”
“We do not want any three, four, five year old youngster denied a place in early childhood education just by the simple fact that there are available places.”
Mr Marshall said the early years were crucial and important that all children do at least 12 months at Preschool before entering Kindergarten.
“Early childhood education provides all the tools for learning – teaching youngsters critical thinking, reasoning and social abilities, as well as getting them used to the challenges of school.
“Research demonstrates that children benefit socially, emotionally and cognitively from access to quality early childhood education so this program will have a real benefit for families with young children.”
The Capital Works Grants program provides funding for not-for-profit, community-based preschools to increase the number of places for children at 15 hours per week, especially in areas where there is a demonstrated shortage of places.