The two expanded preschools are Wendouree Children’s Centre and FedUni Children’s Centre.

Wendouree Children’s Centre will increase its capacity from 65 to 75 places after the upgrade, which includes a new playroom, an extension to an existing playroom and a renovated bathroom area and office.

Two extra rooms will be added to the FedUni centre, expanding the number of places from 52 to 80.

Federation University director of campus life Colin Marshall said the extension would allow the centre to respond to a growing need for a new kindergarten service within a long day care program.

“The refurbishment has also modernised many of our existing internal and external teaching and play areas,” he said.

“Our children and families [are] absolutely delighted with these improvements.”

The state government provided capital grants funding to both facilities, while the City of Ballarat and Federation University also both contributed to the two centres.

Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell said the projects ensure access to excellent early childhood education and care services in the years before school. 

“Improving the quality of facilities and access to services through the children’s capital grants program is part of the Victorian Coalition government’s plan to make Victoria a world leader in children’s learning and development,” she said.

Ms Lovell said the capital grants were part of the government’s Victorian Early Years Strategic Plan, which was launched in March this year.

tom.cowie@fairfaxmedia.com.au