A NEW preschool is planning to open its doors early next year to fill a void in the community after the former establishment closed more than a year ago.
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Ashmont Preschool closed in June, 2018, due to financial difficulties and KU Children's Services became the new lease holders after Wagga City Council opened the site to expressions of interest.
This will mark the fifth KU Children's Services in the city, with preschools already established in Central, Turvey Park, Mount Austin and Kooringal.
CEO Chris Legg said the new establishment will be under the traditional preschool model, however will include allied health and family support services.
"We understand communities in the Ashmont area face economic and social complexities," Ms Legg said.
"There will be an extensive amount of renovation and rejuvenation and it will be more of an integrated service model, which is the best opportunity to positively respond to the needs of families.
"It's a traditional preschool program for three to six years and we'll engage in a range of preschool age-specific early intervention and NDIS services."
The estimated cost of the refurbishment is $235,000 and the services that will be on offer are:
- Speech pathology
- Occupational therapy
- Family worker/support services
- Parent workshops and training
- Autism specific clinic-based therapy.
Ms Legg said these services will form a local hub for the area. "We're already pretty well embedded in the local community and we'll have referrals to allied health for the local children as well as making sure they're supported in their transition to school," she said.
"The ability to work with the local Aboriginal community is something we're starting to foster and will play a part in the services.
"We're pretty excited ... and we're anticipating opening in early 2020, subject to licensing approval and the development application."
Initially the preschool will hold 20 places and the company will work collaboratively with other local stakeholders to ensure the needs of the community remain at the forefront.
"Children develop the foundations for long-life learning and [preschool] can shape how they approach learning," Ms Legg said.
KU Children's Services is taking expressions of interest for their new centre.