Nineteen community preschools and not-for-profit long day care centres in Sutherland Shire electorates have received funding for new projects in the latest round of a state government program.
Projects range from outdoor climbing equipment and synthetic grass and a bathroom renovation to shade sails, a sandpit and a native bee hive.
The government said the Quality Learning Environments (QLE) program "aims to support eligible early childhood education services to improve their learning environments to positively impact experiences and outcomes for preschool aged children".
Not-for-profit community preschools (centre based and mobile) and not-for-profit long day cares can apply for funding of up to $10,000.
Grants can be used to purchase resources and activities, which improve physical or educational learning environments.
Applications must demonstrate a link between proposed resources and activities and the service's Quality Improvement Plan.
The program started in 2018, and this is the third round of grants.
Some of the recipients were also successful in one of the previous two rounds, announced in June, 2018 and January, 2019.
State MPs Mark Speakman (Cronulla), Eleni Petinos (Miranda) and Lee Evans (Heathcote) announced the successful applicants.
Cronulla electorate
- Grays Point Pre-School Kindergarten: $9916 for native bee hive.
- Jacaranda Preschool Centre: $10,000 for music program and edible garden.
- Kurnell Pre-School Kindergarten: $10,000 for synthetic grass.
- Uniting Early Learning Caringbah: $9575 for sandpit.
- Uniting Preschool Caringbah: $8100 for replacement of soft fall surface.
Miranda electorate
- Miranda Kindergarten: $8930 for outdoor timber climbing and balancing equipment.
- Gymea Community Preschool: $8945 hand pump and extension of creek in garden.
- Sydney Montessori School: $4,293.10 for verandah and climbing equipment.
- Como Preschool: $9490 for renovation of children's bathroom.
- Mikarie Place Child Care Centre: $7840 for shade sails.
- Mayflower Preschool Kindergarten: $4160 for lighting, art and community excursions.
- The Point Preschool: $5526 for blinds and art program.
- Jannali Pre-School Kindergarten: $9880 for pergola and water pump.
Heathcote electorate
- Sutherland Presbyterian Church Pre-School: $8605 for deck extension with shade blinds.
- Bundeena Maianbar Pre-School: $8617 for bush tucker garden.
- Engadine Pre-School: $10,000 for classroom furniture.
- Inaburra Preschool: $8600 for art incursion.
- Goodstart Early Learning Menai: $8363 for garden upgrade, yoga and circus program, and climbing equipment.
- Helensburgh Community Preschool: $9331 for outdoor equipment.
