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Two local early childhood education services are getting a government funding boost of almost $30,000 to help ensure quality early childhood education services in the Wairarapa.
Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer says Aoga Amata EFKS in Waingawa is getting a $15,000 planning grant to look at setting up a new service, overcoming the financial hurdles that come with planning a new centre. Pahiatua Kindergarten is getting a heath and safety grant of almost $15,000 to remove lead based paint.
The funding is part of the first round of the annual Discretionary Grants Scheme, which helps community-based centres plan, build and improve buildings and grounds. The scheme aims to increase participation in quality early childhood education, especially by children from lower socio-economic, rural and isolated communities.
"National wants to reward low quality and unregistered childminding, where Labour is raising the quality and affordability of early childhood education for all New Zealand parents and families," Ms Beyer said.
The $6.6 million funding nationwide announced by Education Minister Trevor Mallard will provide an extra 308 places nationwide for children of families seeking to access early childhood education through new centres or the expansion of existing centres. It will also help fund the planning stages for a further 41 new centres or expansions. Since 2000, the government scheme has invested $64 million on approximately 4300 new early childhood places.
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