The rollout of the Free Kinder program has left regional kindergartens struggling to meet expectations, according to state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.
The Nationals MP claims that local families in Mitchell Shire and Greater Shepparton are dissatisfied with the level of care their children are receiving, with these areas ranking among the bottom four local government areas in Victoria for parent satisfaction.
“Free Kinder is a great idea in theory, but unfortunately the Labor Government’s reckless rollout of the program is having a negative impact on our regional kindergartens,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Staff shortages across the sector have been amplified, and classes are now being combined to compensate for the lack of available teachers.
“This rushed rollout failed to consider the challenges regional providers face and families across our local communities are saying they are unhappy with the education their young children are receiving.”
Ms Cleeland pointed to the findings of the 2022 Kindergarten Parent Opinion Survey, which reported a decline in parent satisfaction between 2022 and 2023.
She said she believed the Victorian Government’s approach to the program has lacked sufficient planning, resulting in regional kindergartens facing ongoing challenges.
“Concerned parents have already reached out to me to say they are worried about how this will impact their child’s education and wellbeing,” Ms Cleeland said.
“These parents were not consulted, and the decision has been made suddenly and without time for the staff, parents or children to prepare.
“While we want to make kinder accessible for all, this is not the way to do it.”
Ms Cleeland asserted that the survey data reinforced concerns from parents in her electorate, who believed that the program's implementation had fallen short of its intended goals.
The government, however, maintained that the Free Kinder program had been a success overall.
“Free Kinder has been rolled out successfully statewide, with 97 per cent of services participating and more than 140,000 children and their families accessing programs — removing cost as a barrier to early education,” a government spokesperson said.
“Mixed-age kinder programs see older and younger children learning, playing and developing together while building confidence, identity and leadership skills, as well as developing practical skills for their future.
“Our investment in programs to grow the kindergarten workforce since 2019 includes awarding more than 4000 early childhood teaching scholarships, and we’re continuing to work with universities and training providers to support graduates to take up roles in rural and regional Victoria.”