A recent evaluation by the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS) has found families who participated in the nation-leading Working Together – supporting early learning pilot felt their children had gained skills which significantly contributed to a successful transition to Kindergarten.
The Working Together initiative provides opportunities for eligible children to participate in up to 400 hours of free, quality early learning in the year before they start Kindergarten.
The initiative is funding 120 places for eligible children in 2020 and is being rolled out gradually in Tasmania through 19 Early Childhood Education and Care services.
The independent evaluation by TasCOSS also found that participating families felt involvement in the program helped to reduce separation anxiety issues for both parents and children.
Families identified a number of skills acquired through the pilot they believed assisted in their child’s preparation for Kindergarten, including advances in communication and self-regulation, toilet training and building friendships.
Parents and carers spoke widely of improvements in confidence and independence as a result of their involvement in Working Together, where children and families work in partnership with early childhood educators and engagement workers to support children to thrive.
The Tasmanian Government recognises investing in early year’s education is investing in the future of young Tasmanians, helping to set them up for the brightest future possible.
Working Together is demonstrating how much can be achieved by addressing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for children to learn, make friends and build confidence.
No matter the circumstances or background, all three year old children deserve the opportunity to experience early learning, as research shows those who attend early learning perform better at school and in their lives.
For more information regarding the Working Together initiative, visit www.education.tas.gov.au/wt
The Independent Report can be found at
https://publicdocumentcentre.education.tas.gov.au/Documents/Working-Together-School-Transition-Family-Consultation-2020-TasCOSS.PDF
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