Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards announced the funding which will see children benefit from learning a different language at an early age.

More news: Victoria records 57 new coronavirus cases since Wednesday

The preschool began to integrate Karen language into all children's learning as part of the new early childhood language program, which began back in 2019.

Karen teacher Sei Sei Mu Thein, a member of Bendigo's Karen community, has been teaching the children her language.

Nominated supervisor and educational leader at the preschool Lyndall Rye said teachers could communicate with Karen families and children better with the language learning program.

Sei Sei Mu Thein reads to Havilah Road Preschool students back in 2019.

Ms Edwards said the program was the first state-funded language program to be rolled out in kindergartens.

She said the program provides early childhood services with funding to employ a suitably qualified teacher or educator to deliver part of their kindergarten program in another language.

"Children at Havilah Road Preschool now have even more opportunities to enjoy learning in another language as well as celebrating other cultures from a young age," she said.

"We are thrilled to ensure even more young children can reap the rewards of learning in another language, which helps with cognitive skills, reading and writing in a fun, interactive environment."

Other news:

The 49 services are already participants in the Government's $17.9 million Early Childhood Language Program.

This extra funding will allow them to double the number of hours attending kindergarten children learn in another language.

It features 20 languages including Aboriginal languages, Arabic, Auslan, Chinese, French, Italian and Spanish.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: