A child’s early years are a time of rapid development; physically, mentally and emotionally. Positively supporting children, their parents and carers during the early years offers a unique opportunity to build happier and healthier lives.
Today we officially launch the new Early Years Coalition, B4 a whole of community collaborative approach to ensuring every child is valued in the early years and has the best possible start in life.
The name B4 represents the early years of a child’s life from birth to four years of age as well as being a phonetic representation of ‘before’, acknowledging these are the years before a child begins formal schooling.
The B4 Coalition is co-chaired by the Chair of the Tasmanian Early Years Foundation, Elizabeth Daly and the Tasmanian Commissioner for Children, Mark Morrissey, who are both passionate supporters of Tasmania’s children and recognise the importance of the early years in helping with shaping the future of our young people.
The Coalition will see experienced and qualified Tasmanians who are committed to the early years sector work collectively to lift outcomes through outreach, raising awareness and engaging with colleagues in their sector.
Recognising that success in the early years is a whole of community responsibility, members of the Coalition will be sought from individuals who have a strong connection to a sector, such as business or local government, or who hold specific expertise in areas such as the early years, health, early childhood education and care.
All TEYF members have been invited to be part of the B4 Coalition.
Supported by the Department of Education with the assistance of the Departments of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Health and Human Services, the B4 Coalition will develop an action plan to support and promote the importance of the early years of a child’s life. With the creation of the B4 Coalition we are enhancing the Government’s support of early years learning and seeking to bring together all those involved in the lives of Tasmania’s youngest children.
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