The Tasmanian Government is committed to helping children reach their full potential, the Premier, Lara Giddings, said during Children's Week celebrations today.

Ms Giddings highlighted the importance of this year's theme 'Reading for Children.'

"We know that getting a good education early in life is the key to securing jobs and opportunities for the future," Ms Giddings said.

"Reading is a great way of instilling a love of learning from a very early age.

"This week's theme complements the many things the Government is doing to improve the literacy rates of young Tasmanians before they start school, during their schooling and after they enter adulthood.

"Encouraging children to read is the key objective of the Premier's Reading Challenge, which attracted 29,400 participants from 156 government and non-government schools.

"This year $1.6 million has been invested into the Launching into Learning program, which provides support and intervention in the early years and has achieved great results for students primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds."

Ms Giddings congratulated the many other organisations in the community that contributed to the wellbeing and development of children.

"The Tasmanian Early Years Foundation aims to support and promote the wellbeing, development and learning of Tasmanian children up to the age of six years.

"The foundation plays a central role in bringing all sectors together to invest time and money in early childhood development programs.

"Playgroup Tasmania provides fantastic support for children sand deserves special congratulations as the organiser of Children's Week.

"Playgroup gives young children the opportunity to interact with other adults and play with other children and it's also a great way for children to learn in an informal setting before they start kindergarten.

"Playgroup Tasmania has organised a diverse range of events and activities this week to focus the attention of the wider community on children, their needs and achievements."

For more information on Children's Week events around the state visit http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/tas/