Page 2999 - Week 08 - Thursday, 15 August 2019
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The ACT government acknowledges that cost is a key barrier to children in the ACTÂ equitably accessing early learning programs. Providing free, universal access to high quality early childhood education for three-year-olds will give every child a fair start to life. It is for this reason that the ACT government has committed to working towards 15 hours per week, 600 hours per year, of free, universal early childhood education for all three-year-old children.
MR PETTERSSON: How will the government target those three-year-old children who will most benefit from improving access to preschool?
MS BERRY: The introduction of free universal preschool for all three-year-old children will of course require a phased implementation in order to build the capacity of the sector in meeting this demand. Targeting access to those children and families most in need will ensure equity and fairness during the first phase of the implementation, with a $2.2 million investment towards equitable access to early childhood education committed in the 2019-20 ACT budget.
In the first phase it is anticipated that vacancies within existing ACT services will be utilised to improve access for families experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Consultation with services will be ongoing over the coming months as the proposed approach is being confirmed.
Based on extensive modelling work, it is envisaged that dedicated places will be funded in these services in partnership with early childhood schools, public schools in locations to meet the needs of these priority families. Families will be identified through trusted supported networks and services already working with families most in need such as maternal and child health services, public housing, child and family centres and the child development service. This is important because when the services partner together they can deliver coordinated supports that meet the holistic needs of families at times when life can otherwise be overwhelming.
Importantly, during this first phase the ACT government will also be ensuring positive childhood experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Again, this work is still being finalised. However, I anticipate being able to provide further information in coming months.
MS CHEYNE: Minister, how will this initiative complement the broader programs delivered by the government to support early childhood education?
MS BERRY: I thank Ms Tara Cheyne for the supplementary. Delivering three-year-old preschool will be one of a range of strategies to enhance early childhood education and care in the ACT that will be outlined in the early childhood strategy later this year. Some of the excellent programs that will be strengthened through the strategy include Koori preschools, which provide early childhood education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged from three to five years. Koori preschools focus on cultural integrity, parent engagement and transitions to school. The Koori preschool program also works closely with the ACT child and family centres to develop strong partnerships and link families with programs that strengthen community and cultural connections.
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