The grant is part of the Victorian Government’s expansion of bush kinder programs.
Seymour Family and Children’s Centre, Little Steps Early Education and Care in Kilmore, and Nagambie Kindergarten and Early Childhood Services will receive one-off grants of $6000 to offer the program.
The grants will help kindergartens buy equipment for programs that focus on getting outside, playing with natural materials and learning through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the program provided more children with opportunities to get outdoors and learn in a natural environment.
“Bush kinder programs are not just fun and educational, they also help to keep kids active and connect them with nature — boosting their health, wellbeing and development,” she said.
Bush kinder programs are delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland and beaches — giving children a unique opportunity and freedom to learn through outdoor play with natural materials.
The programs are educational and exciting, with a significant positive impact on a child’s development and physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Kindergartens without access to a suitable off-site location can use their grant funding to enhance the biodiversity of their existing outdoor environment.
The government is investing $3.6 million over four years to expand bush kinder programs in up to 600 kindergarten services across Victoria.
The 2024 expansion will establish new bush kinder programs in 52 local government areas, including 25 regional locations.
Bush kinder programs funded in this grant round start at the beginning of term three.
Applications for the 2025 round of another 150 bush kinder grants will open in the second half of 2024.
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