Advocates … Maribyrnong councillor Dina Lynch, left and Maribyrnong kindergarten committee member Diane Falzon, centre with some of the children who attend kinder. Maribyrnong City Council is calling for better kindergarten conditions and increased placements for children in the municipality.SOME children from low-income families in the City of Maribyrnong are not able to attend kindergarten, mayor Janet Rice said last week.
Cr Rice made the claim as part of the council’s participation in two statewide kindergarten campaigns.
The campaigns by Kindergarten Parents Victoria and the Municipal Association of Victoria call on the State Government to address kindergarten affordability and contribute $90 million to upgrade infrastructure.
“We know that low income families are missing out because they can’t afford the fees,” Cr Rice said.
“If the State Government was funding kindergartens, probably the kindergartens would not have to charge such high fees and would be more afforadable.”
“Volunteer parent committees run the day-to day operations of most kindergartens, with local councils managing child placements and administration.”
The council spends more than $200,000 a year on works to ensure children’s services buildings meet the Department of Human Services’ regulations.
Fees to attend kindergarten are about $160 per term for three-year-olds and $190 for four-year-olds.
There are 12 kindergartens in the municipality with five child care centres offering kindergarten as part of their long day care program.
Cr Rice said the municipality was experiencing a shortage of kindergarten placements for four-year-olds.
She said kindergartens were a “critical part” of a child’s education.
