The Education Directorate has launched a new early childhood strategy to ensure ACT children are set up for success with the early learning and development they need.
Announced by the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry the Strategy, Set up for success: An Early Childhood Strategy for the ACT, focuses on the importance of early learning and delivering quality early childhood education.
“Well established research has shown that the period from birth through to eight years—especially the first three years—sets the foundation for every child’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development,” Ms Berry said.
“High quality early childhood education plays a critical role in supporting children to learn,” she said.
“For children experiencing vulnerabilities or disadvantage, this early education plays an even more significant role in tackling inequality.”
Ms Berry said the Strategy would build on the expertise of early childhood educators through a range of workforce development initiatives to raise the profile of early childhood educators, further their work as a profession and ensure they were supported in their roles.
“Not unlike teachers in schools, early childhood educators work in partnership with parents, schools and a range of community and health services to nurture each child’s learning and development,” she said.
“This Strategy aims to support this collaborative approach to ensure a child’s needs are understood and in place as they enter school.”
She said the Strategy had four guiding principles, a fair start for every child; valuing educators, values children; every child has a story; and working together for children.
The Education Directorate said that in line with the new Strategy it would expand the number of places available to three-year-old children to access 15 hours per week of free early childhood education from 300 hours to 500.
The new 19-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
