Mirboo North Kindergarten will be able to address increased enrolments of children with sensory processing disorders and other specific needs with new funding for special equipment.
The kindergarten is one of nearly 20 centres across Gippsland which received state government funding to create more inclusive environments for kids of all abilities.
Mirboo North Kindergarten educational leader Kate Boad said staff had noticed an increase in children with sensory-processing disorders, developmental delays, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and other conditions with specific needs.
“We wanted to purchase some items that would respect the diversity of the children … whilst facilitating a rich learning environment where conversations about differences are welcomed and celebrated,” Ms Boad said.
The centre plans to buy equipment to engage the senses, such as boards with moving discs, weighted toys and items to help address occupational delays, such as climbing equipment.
“The money will really assist us to develop the program in order to make it more inclusive, so we’re very excited,” Ms Boad said.
About 35 children between four and five-years-old attend the kindergarten each week.
The centre recently installed sound panels on the ceiling to dampen the sound indoors, as kindergarten teacher Roslyn Webb said noise was something that could really affect the children with higher sensory needs.
“In this space if we can offer some more sensory types of toys and sensory stimulation it helps them relax really because they get overwhelmed by the high noise levels,” Ms Webb said.
Mirboo North Kindergarten received a grant of $5848.
Erica Preschool was another centre to receive funding and $5613 will go towards helping include children of all abilities.
