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.
