The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to providing access to early learning for every child in the year before kindergarten to give them a great start in life and learning.
Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, said the Early Learning for Three Year Olds initiative is one of the first steps towards achieving this important goal.
“Today, I can announce one of the first regions to establish a trial site for the early learning service next year will be the West Coast Local Government area,” Minister Jaensch said.
“Earlier this year, a series of workshops were held across Tasmania to understand what communities want early learning services to look like.
“We know there is strong demand on the West Coast for these services and this pilot site will be a reflection of the needs of the community.”
More than 340 people had their say on early learning in their communities during the consultation period, showing how much this service is valued by Tasmanians.
The community will continue to play a key role in the development of the West Coast pilot site.
“We will work in partnership with families, community members, Early Childhood Education and Care providers and other key early years services to establish the trial sites and tailor the each one to community needs,” Minister Jaensch said.
Workshops for parents, community members and Early Childhood Education and Care providers will commence in August as a first step in designing the trial sites for Early Learning for Three Year Olds initiative.
West Coast Mayor Shane Pitt welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s announcement to establish a trial site in the region.
“There is a shortage of services for children in the early years on the West Coast, and I know how much this service will mean to the community,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Council looks forward to providing input into the design process of the trial site.”
Further community engagement and research will also begin across Hobart and Launceston to better understand the supports and action needed for future expansion of Early Learning for Three Year Olds initiative in these areas.
“Learning starts from birth and that is why the Rockliff Liberal Government is investing in the education, health and wellbeing services children and their families need to thrive,” Minister Jaensch said.
“We look forward to announcing the other trial sites in coming weeks.”
The Early Learning for Three Year Olds initiative complements the Working Together program which provides eligible children experiencing vulnerability with access to government subsidised places at Early Childhood Education and Care services.
