Early learning head start

OSBORNE Park pre-schoolers are among the first in Australia to be part of a pilot program teaching science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) through play-based apps and activities.

Princeton Pre-school is one of 100 Australian pre-schools, and five in Perth, selected to participate in the Federal Government’s Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) pilot.

The program gives children the opportunity to explore STEM subjects at an early age through hands-on activities and digital learning.

Children will have access to four play-based apps throughout the year, with one released each term.

Pre-school director Alison Wade said the school was “ecstatic” to be participating.

“STEM in the early years provides an opportunity to support children to build these foundation skills and habits of mind in preparation for formal schooling and beyond,” she said.

Stirling MHR Michael Keenan visited students at the pre-school and said the $6 million program helped children develop skills including sorting and matching while learning numbers and patterns.