Page 1062 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 3 May 2022
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The government is currently delivering on the first phase of its commitment to providing universal access to free quality early childhood education for all three-year-olds, by providing up to 500 places for priority children—those who need it most—to access two days per week of free, quality early learning. Up to 100 places are also available for three-year-old children in Koori preschools, to provide a culturally safe and supportive early learning experience.
This government is committed to providing one day a week of free, quality early education for all three-year-olds in the ACT by 2024. This commitment is being implemented in phases, starting with children who will benefit the most. I am pleased to advise the Assembly that, as at 13 April 2022, 431 priority three-year-olds have been referred into the initiative. Since the initiative commenced, 353 children have accepted a place in a partnering early childhood education and care service; 43 children have been referred and placement processes are underway; 35 children did not accept a place in the initiative but instead engaged in alternative pathways or moved from the ACT prior to commencement; 147 children are currently accessing early childhood education and care through the initiative; and 205 children have transitioned out of the initiative since it commenced in 2020, primarily due to starting four-year-old preschool.
Last October, the ACT government announced an $11.9 million package of investment towards delivering initiatives in phase 1 of Set up for Success. This funding is to ensure that this important work progresses and provides support to the early childhood education and care sector, as the community adapts to the realities of living with COVID-19.
Early childhood educators work incredibly hard, and it is important that everyone in the community understands the incredible value of this work. This government wants to make sure that educators are valued, and that the system reflects this. The implementation plan outlines the initiatives of phase 1 and connects to the four foundations of Set up for Success.
Through the fair start for every child foundation, the government is moving to providing children with access to quality early childhood education that supports positive outcomes across their life, working towards providing two years of quality early childhood education prior to formal school for all children in the ACT, and providing culturally safe, relevant and supportive learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
As part of the commitment to ensuring equity of access, the government has employed two early childhood community coordinators to further strengthen relationships with priority families, and support early childhood education and care services and warm referrers across the ACT. Two early years engagement officers have also been employed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to connect with child and family centres, Koori preschools and schools.
Through the valuing educators, values children foundation, the government is delivering 12 more early childhood teacher degree scholarships to encourage more
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