Binalong has been fortunate to have access to preschool facilities for two to five years old for the past 25 years, but the recent cuts to funding in the early childhood education sector put the future of the Binalong Preschool in doubt as many small NSW preschools will be forced to shut their doors in 2016.
Government subsidies for most three year olds have been stripped in the new model to put greater focus on four year olds attending preschool, which has meant that many preschools now have to make up the difference and some finding this task near impossible.
A few months ago Binalong parents learnt that Boorowa Preschool Centre, who runs the Binalong Preschool as a Mobile Unit, will no-longer continue to govern the preschool and it looked like the small community would be without this vital service. However Yass Early Childhood Centre Association (YECCA) has come onboard and have vowed to takeover the preschool, at least for the next three years.
Although YECCA will be managing the preschool, due to the funding cuts the Binalong Preschool Community have some substantial fundraising to do to keep the preschool afloat.
“Although it going to be a challenge, I have no doubt that the community will get behind us to keep this service in our town” said Binalong mother, Heidi Grange. “It’s one of the advantages of belonging to a small community, and in the past the town has been able to raise considerable funds for individuals and causes in-need.”
The preschool’s first major fundraiser is a sheep drive, taking place this coming Tuesday 18 November at Cootamundra Sale Yards. Anyone who would like to donate to the drive is urged to contact Madaline Brayshaw on 0427 688 803 by Monday.
The preschool is looking to have a bumper 2016 with many children already enrolled but it would be great to have more.
The Binalong Preschool operates Wednesdays and Thursdays during school terms and from 2016 will be operating an additional half an hour per day from 9am to 3pm. The preschool is located at the CWA Hall, in Fitzroy Street, which has been recently restored and has access to wonderful facilities including a great play area. Children aged from two years to school aged can attend (must be toilet trained).
Parents who would like to enrol their children or to find out more information can contact the preschool during operating hours on 6227 4247 or 0428 853 113 (outside operational hours), email binalongpreschool@gmail.com or just pop in and chat to staff.
Pictured are current and future preschoolers – [top] Maddie Duffy, Tayla Brayshaw, Immy Grange, Jaiden Ings [middle] Shirley Rodgers (teacher), Mahlia Kruger, Teresa Campbell (teacher), Sophie McColl, Kyah Turton, Bailey Blewett [Front] Zavier Brayshaw, Lachlan Ings, Audrey Grange, Archie Regan, Elouise Giles.
