Support for greater access to early childhood education

By PETER ROWE

The National Voice for our Children (SNAICC) has welcomed the introduction of ‘life-changing’ legislation that will give thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families crucial access to Early Childhood Education and Care.

The scrapping of the Activity Test will give families 100 hours of subsidised early education and care each fortnight, a decision SBAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle has called a game changer.

“Closing the gap starts with our children and that starts in early education and care,” Ms Liddle said.

“Evidence shows vulnerable children get the greatest benefit from accessing quality ECEC.

“Access to ECEC services means our children are more likely to be developmentally ready for big school and they are more likely to access allied health and NDIS supports needed for them to thrive in life.

“It means more support for vulnerable families. Recent studies have even correlated access to ECEC services to a decreased likelihood of engaging in youth crime.”

SNAICC said it supported the Labor Government’s election commitment of a $1 billion fund to build or expand more than 160 childcare centres across Australia.

“Access to childcare places in regional and remote areas where many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families live is a significant factor in early learning,” Ms Liddle said.

“Every child deserves a solid foundation in life and scrapping the activity test alongside building and expanding services in regional and remote areas will make a significant difference to the everyday lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.”