The Department of Education has announced a targeted three-year pilot program providing extra support for vulnerable and disadvantaged children at more than 400 kindergartens across the State.
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said while the benefits of kindergarten and early education were well known “not all kids arrive at the kindy gate with the same capability levels”.
Ms Grace said the Kindy Uplift Program aimed to help around 13,500 Queensland children each year get the most out of their time at kindy.
She said there would be a range of activities focussing on five targeted improvement areas: Oral language and communication; processing information and responding; physicality; social and emotional capability; and access and inclusion.
“For example, funding could be used to introduce a wellbeing support program for kids who are doing it tough and will trial a model of additional resources and early support for kids who need it most,” Ms Grace said.
The announcement has been welcomed by the sector, with Kindergarten Director of Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health, Caroline Baum saying she was excited to be taking part in the pilot.
“We are delighted to join Minister Grace and be part of this amazing Program to help nurture, engage and improve children’s outcomes,” Ms Baum said.
“To offer a quality education and care program with dedicated and upskilled educators who are passionate about the child’s education journey and smooth transition progress is a wonderful opportunity,” she said.
Further information about the Program can be accessed at this PS News link.
