Shaping our future from early years
A healthier, better educated community starts in babyhood, says Jeremy Rockliff
A CHILD’S experiences and environment will shape their lifelong learning, health and development.
That’s why the Hodgman majority Liberal Government has a vision of “all children thriving in strong connected communities” through a focus on quality and equity.
This is highlighted in Tasmania’s Strategy for Children — Pregnancy to Eight Years 2018-2021, which outlines purpose and practices for all service providers to improve the education, health and wellbeing of our children.
This week, early childhood educators, teachers, academics and leaders from across Australia will meet in Hobart for Early Childhood Australia’s (ECA) National Conference, sharing ideas and experiences on emerging best practice for early learning, family centres and day care.
The conference runs from tomorrow until Saturday, with delegates engaging in critical discussion but also celebrating the advancements made in improving the outcomes for children and their families across our country.
To experience the great work being done in our state, delegates from the conference will tour various government early childhood education centres throughout the week.
Tasmania has a lot to be proud of in early years education. There are many initiatives providing opportunities for all children to get the support they need early in life in order to learn, grow and thrive.
Tasmania is leading the nation in providing targeted early learning with holistic support through our Working Together initiative.
Working Together pilot program offers 400 hours a year of free early learning for children who are experiencing vulnerabilities.
This successful pilot program is being delivered this year by early childhood educators in long daycare settings, working in partnership with families and community services to ensure children get any extra help they need to successfully transition into kindergarten.
Working Together will be expanded next year to more centres throughout the state.
Launching into Learning program is another free Tasmanian Government initiative for children 0-4 and their families. It runs in all government primary and district schools.
The program supports children with their development in a fun and creative atmosphere and assists with the transition into kindergarten. The Learning in Families Together initiative promotes family engagement in a child’s learning in kindergarten to year 2 with a focus on literacy, numeracy and language.
Key groups and individuals have been brought together to form the B4 Early Years Coalition. B4 connects, supports and engages with the community, encouraging everyone to work together to ensure all children are cared for so they can reach their potential. In conjunction with the ECA conference, B4 has facilitated the Making Marks Children’s Art Exhibition which will officially open at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery tomorrow.
The exhibition will showcase the creativity of children aged 0-4, celebrating, nurturing and supporting their voice through art.
The innovation and depth Tasmania is demonstrating in supporting our early learners is truly exciting.
Our government knows we need to continue to invest in early childhood education to support the next generation of learners.
More and more children are beginning to benefit from participating in early learning in safe and nurturing environments and this is setting up our children for the best possible start in life. Jeremy Rockliff is Minister for Education and Training.