$21.5m extra for early childhood learning support
early childhood education (ECE) could give children a head start and set them up for life.
‘‘But a lack of funding for early intervention services has meant that far too many children have missed out on behaviour, learning, or speech and language support they need to get the full benefits of ECE,’’ she said.
The funding boost to early intervention services would mean extra support for almost 8000 more children over the next four years.
The money would fund early intervention for young children who needed support with language development, social interactions and behaviour, and engagement and attainment in school.
Ardern announced the extra $21.5m in operational funding over four years during the closing of a round of national education summits in Auckland on Sunday. The services would also receive an extra $272,000 capital to support the IT costs of additional staff.
Associate Education Minister and Minister for Children Tracey Martin the money was expected to halve the current waiting list for services, as well as help meet future demand pressures.
‘‘Intervening effectively and early for children with learning support needs makes a real difference to children’s development and learning.’’
The money would see an extra 1750 children receive help during the coming year and contracted early intervention specialist service providers would support an additional 150 children with the highest needs.
Within two years, this number would increase to an additional 200 children, Martin said.
This meant more frontline early-intervention staff, and more than 60 additional Early Intervention Study Awards and Speech Language Therapy Scholarships in order to grow the workforce.
‘‘This Government believes all children, regardless of their ability or disability, their culture or their family background have the right to an education that sets them up for life,’’ Ardern said.
The announcement comes ahead of the coalition Government’s first Budget, which would be delivered on Thursday.