The Japanese language program at Wendouree Children’s Centre is building early cognitive and increased literacy skills.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh showcased the initiative to Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino, and Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree, in a special visit to Wendouree Children’s Centre today.
The City of Ballarat 75-place centre is one of 100 services delivering the Early Childhood Language program, funded by the Department of Education, across the state.
Early Childhood Educator Yukie Speirs, originally a kindergarten teacher in Japan, teaches the language and culture of her homeland with the centre’s kindergarten children.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh says the Japanese language program captures the hearts, minds and especially the enthusiasm of the centre’s little learners.
“This exciting Japanese language program provides Wendouree Children’s Centre kindergarten children with a head start in learning and culture, often taught at primary school,” she says.
“It’s a fantastic initiative that contributes to the City of Ballarat’s quality children’s services programs and commitment to early learning, while also promoting diversity and inclusion.
“The children have embraced learning Japanese – they use the language here as well as when they’re at home.”
The City of Ballarat has been providing childcare services to the Ballarat community and surrounding areas for more than 40 years.
The Wendouree Children’s Centre provides long day childcare (42 places) and sessional kindergarten. The kindergarten room is approved for 33 places with current provision of 22 licenced four-year-old places.
