Research shows the first thousand days in a child’s life are critical in shaping health and wellbeing, which is why the Rockliff Liberal Government is providing additional funding for early learning, that will give Tasmanian children the best start to life.
Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, today announced the next phase of expansion for the Government’s early learning program – Working Together – which will see up to 220 places made available across 43 partner Early Childhood Education and Care Tasmanian services.
“This successful Liberal initiative is already delivering services in 19 Early Childhood Education and Care services across the State, supporting 120 eligible 3-year-olds each year to access funded education and care in the year before Kindergarten,” Minister Jaensch said.
“The expansion will see an additional 100 funded places being offered in current and new service areas in 2024, allowing more children to participate in early learning.
“Our ambitious reforms in education have demonstrated that improved outcomes can be achieved by addressing barriers to access and participation.
“We know that by supporting engagement with quality early learning we will positively impact lifelong educational, health and wellbeing outcomes for Tasmanian children.”
Devonport Child Care Centres’ Executive Director, Mick Clark, said Malangenna Children’s Centre has been delivering the Working Together program since 2019.
“Our staff work closely with the families that are part of Working Together, providing them with support every step of the way along their child’s early childhood education and care pathway,” Mr Clark said.
“The opportunity to engage in child care is life changing for participating families and gives children the chance to learn, make friends, build their confidence and transition to Kindergarten.”
Since the inception of the pilot program in 2019, Working Together has enabled over 500 children to access early learning.
New service areas include Break O’Day, Circular Head, Clarence, Dorset, George Town, Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Meander Valley, North and South Midlands, Sorell and West Tamar.
More information about the Working Together program can be found at www.decyp.tas.gov.au/working-together including a video featuring parents of children who are participating in the program at a centre in Tasmania’s south.
Quotes that can be attributed to parents currently participating in the Working Together Program:
Zhane’s parent – Working Together has helped my son in so many ways. It’s created a routine for him. It’s helped me access so many other help and support systems for him. Since beginning Kindergarten, he has completely flourished in all aspects, going from non-verbal to now an absolute chatterbox who loves so many new and different things.
The help that we have received from Working Together has been absolutely phenomenal in the realms of showing us what avenues are out there. Whether you need the help or not it’s there and you’re able to access it.
Sisam’s parent – This program really help the child and the family as well, because some of the family you really want to send your child to the daycare and not because you are working. Because you want your child to develop their social skills.
Full list of Working Together 2024 service locations
Two hi-res images are available here.
Image 8683: Minister for Education, Children and Youth Roger Jaensch with Malangenna Children’s Centre centre director Lauren von Stieglitz.
Image 8805: Minister for Education, Children and Youth Roger Jaensch with Devonport Childcare Centres’ executive director Mick Clark and little Grace.
More Media Releases from Roger Jaensch
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education, Children and Youth