Nominations are open for the $250,000 Kindergarten Cluster Management Best Practice awards.
Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand said the awards recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in the professional management of kindergartens.
“Award winners will receive up to $10,000 towards the cost of professional development for kindergarten cluster managers or staff in kindergarten services,” Ms Morand said.
“Providing high quality early childhood services is a priority for the Brumby Labor Government and these awards will help highlight the great work being done in kindergartens.”
Ms Morand said kindergarten cluster management was introduced in 2003 with 44 per cent of Victorian kindergartens now participating in a cluster management arrangement.
“Cluster management brings together a group of kindergartens under the management of a single organisation which can help relieve pressure on parents to manage services,” Ms Morand said.
“The kindergarten cluster management initiative provides parents with more flexible options for participating in kindergarten programs and creates a more consistent and professional employment model for kindergarten staff.”
The Brumby Labor Government provided $2.83 million in 2008 to support kindergartens to become cluster managed.
The award nominations will be assessed in four categories:
- Robust governance and support infrastructure;
- Strong local partnerships;
- Continuous system improvement; and
- Professional development and career pathways.
A total of 25 awards valued at up to $10,000 each are available.
Applications - which can be made online at www.education.vic.gov.au - close on 16 April with the winners announced in June.
Kindergartens wanting to be a part of a managed cluster can apply to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.