Kindamindi Preschool has secured a $297,873 State Government grant to extend the early childhood education service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ran under Inverell District Family Services (IDFS), the extension will allow Kindamindi to open an additional 12 preschool places a day.
A new room built to the side of the building will help address the issue of a long waiting list, a shortage in the three to five years age group and see three new educators employed.
Chief executive Nicky Lavender said IDFS was excited to continue its investment in early education throughout the Inverell community.
"It's the third year in a row we have secured funding under this capital grant and we look forward to being able to provide additional places in our excellent rated quality service, Kindamindi Preschool."
Excited about the news, Kindamindi Preschoolers sat down with Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall yesterday to ask questions about the extension.
Students asked Mr Marshall what exactly would be happening at the preschool, what would be in the new room, exactly how many books, if there would be any spiders in the room and many more questions.
Although he couldn't answer them all, he said the grant would enable Kindamindi to offer new places from mid-2020.
"Kindamindi has quite an extensive waiting list, similar to other preschools and childhood centres in Inverell because the place is growing, there is more young people around," he said.
Mr Marshall said there were many benefits of early childhood education and all children deserved an opportunity to attend preschool to learn foundation skills.
Ms Lavender said the extension would provide a nice, big space to compliment what already exists at Kindamindi.
"Obviously some capital works are required with toilets but we will continue with the same theme we know works at Kindamindi."
With the three new employment opportunities opened up by this funding, IDFS will boast over 90 staff across a given pay week.
Current students are excited to welcome a few new faces to the hidden oasis of a preschool soon.