Corangamite Shire Council is calling on families to help plan Council's early years education and care for 2024-2034.
Coordinator Education and Care Eliza Ogden encouraged members of the community to take a 5-10 minutes anonymous survey. The results would help prepare for the State Government's 'Best Life Best Start' early childhood reforms," Ms Ogden said.
"We would be grateful if you would share your views to help inform our planning for the next decade. The State Government's reforms include free kindergarten for 3 and 4 year olds and transitioning 4 year old kindergarten to Pre Prep.
"By 2032 up to 30 hours of Pre Prep will be delivered each week."
Research shows that play-based learning is a powerful way to support children's development. The benefits last into the school years and beyond.
A quality kindergarten program will have more of an impact for children who start at age three rather than four. The benefits are even greater for children who are in vulnerable circumstances.
Corangamite Shire owns a number of facilities and is an early years manager.
"We currently offer maternal child health, family day care, childcare and kindergarten and manage a central registration and enrolment scheme for some kindergartens in our Shire," Ms Ogden said.
"Child Care services are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government and sessional Kindergarten programs are free and funded by the State Government.
"We understand access to childcare is very limited in a number of locations across the country including Corangamite.
"It would be a great help if you could share your views to help inform our advocacy efforts, along with our planning."
Submissions will be combined with other survey results to inform Corangamite Shire's Family and Children's Services Early Years 2024-2034 Plan. The survey is open now here and closes on Friday 26 January.
