Thursday, 29 June 2017
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall is encouraging community and mobile preschools across the region to apply for their share of a new $10 million grant program aimed at boosting the number of children in early education facilities.
Mr Marshall said the NSW Government’s Strong Start Capital Works Grants program was geared towards ensuring more parents and children could access preschools.
“The year before school starts is essential to teaching children essential problem solving, learning and social skills, that will benefit them throughout their schooling life,” Mr Marshall said.
“Research has shown these formative years can have a profound impact on educational achievement later in life. Every child deserves to have access to early childhood education – and these grants will help provide the infrastructure to make that happen.”
The funding can be used to construct new community preschools or expand existing services to provide more places.
“Community and mobile preschools across the Northern Tablelands are doing an excellent job teaching children essential skills, as well as giving parents breathing room to get back to work earlier,” Mr Marshall said.
“By increasing the amount of places available to children in the year before school, we’re helping to extend those benefits to all, no matter where you live.”
The Start Strong Capital Works Grants program is open to not-for-profit community preschools and mobile preschools operating in areas of the state where there is a demonstrated shortage of places.
Applications are now open and can be submitted online up until Friday, 18 August.
For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s website at www.dec.nsw.gov.au/what-we-offer/regulation-and-accreditation/early-childhood-education-care/funding/start-strong/capital-works-grants-program