The Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program (IKFP) funds small upgrades to buildings, playgrounds and equipment that make a big difference to how Victorian kindergartens can meet the educational and social needs of children with disabilities.
IKFP grants help kindergartens to become more inclusive.
Inclusive education is about ensuring that all children, regardless of disabilities or other differences, are able to fully participate, learn, develop and succeed in our schools and kindergartens.
Funded projects have ranged from sensory gardens and accessible ramps to modified play equipment and acoustic treatments for classrooms.
The program is split into two funding streams:
- One for buildings and playground projects between $15,000 and $200,000
- One for equipment projects from $1,500 to $10,000
The Victorian Government has invested $33.6 million over three years to support IKFP grants and the Children's Facilities Capital Program. This is part of broader record funding of $473.2 million, over five years, announced in the 2019-20 State Budget to build, expand and modernise kindergartens across the state. The funding will deliver better early learning resources, and pave the way for the government to introduce an extra year of subsidised kindergarten for every Victorian child.
How do I apply?
Applications for the next round of funding are open from 13 June. They close at midnight on Friday 19 July for equipment grants, and on Friday 23 August for buildings and playground projects.
See below for general guidance on application requirements and eligible projects.
These are also summarised in the following 'frequently asked questions'.
The VSBA Grants Team assess and administer the IKFP. You can contact them for further information by emailing inclusive.kindergartens@edumail.vic.gov.au or phoning 03 7022 2564.
Who can apply?
Any of the following offering a State Government-funded and registered kindergarten:
- Local governments
- Not-for profit community organisations that are a legal entity (e.g. an incorporated association, incorporated cooperative or Indigenous corporation)
- Government schools
- Non-government schools
Past successful projects
In 2018, 42 metropolitan and regional kindergartens successfully applied for IFKP funding to make their buildings and playgrounds more inclusive and accessible. A further 219 received grants up to $10,000 to buy new equipment such as sensory play kits, adjustable chairs or braille books.
Projects like these remove barriers, helping ensure more kids get the most out of their early-years education.
Round 1 – 2018 – Buildings and Playgrounds
- Airport West Kindergarten
- Al Iman College - Early Learning Centre
- Annie Dennis Children's Centre
- Australian Christian College - Hume
- Bimbadeen Preschool
- Bittern Preschool
- Blackscamp Preschool
- Brenbeal Children's Centre
- Cara Armstrong Kindergarten
- Carinya Early Learning Centre
- Cherry Crescent Preschool
- Cire Children's Centre Yarra Junction
- Cooinda Kindergarten
- De Garis Preschool
- Diamond Hills Preschool
- Drysdale Street Kindergarten Wonthaggi
- Elizabeth Wilmot Kindergarten
- Eltham Child Care Co-op Ltd
- Emerald Preschool
- Geelong West Kindergarten
- Gwendoline Kindergarten
- Hansen Park Preschool
- Helen Paul Kindergarten
- Highgate Early Learning Centre
- Highmount Kindergarten
- Highvale Kindergarten
- Home Road Kindergarten
- Homegarth Community Kindergarten
- Interlaken Kindergarten
- Kallista Kindergarten
- Lipscombe Park Kindergarten
- Mansfield Kindergarten
- Mildura South Kindergarten
- Mildura West Kindergarten
- Miners Rest Kindergarten
- Mt Evelyn Memorial Preschool
- Olympic Village Preschool
- Parkdale Preschool
- Swinburne Avenue Children's Centre
- Through Road Child Care Centre
- Wydinia Kindergarten & Early Learning Centre
- Yarra Glen Preschool
Round 1 – 2018 – Equipment
List of kindergartens granted equipment funding