New Indigenous early learning program unveiled

Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
29/10/2008

New Indigenous early learning program unveiled

Children living in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities will be better prepared for Prep and Year 1 under a major new early childhood education initiative launched today.

Minister for Education, Training and the Arts Rod Welford said Foundations for Success - Guidelines for an early learning program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities would help improve education outcomes for indigenous children.

"Achieving positive educational outcomes for Indigenous children is a high priority for the Bligh Government," said Mr Welford.

"These guidelines will help educators create a program that incorporates Indigenous children's culture and language while preparing them for the transition into Prep and Year 1.

"The foundations for successful learning are laid in the early years. This quality early learning program values and builds on the diversity of culture and languages that Indigenous children bring with them, enhancing their continuity of learning without compromising their identities."

Mr Welford said Foundations for Success was delivered as part of a government commitment, detailed in its 2006 Bound for Success document, to further improve pre-Prep provision for 3½ to 4½ year olds living in 35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.

"The implementation of Foundations for Success across these communities is a step towards achieving the Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland target for all children to have access to quality early childhood education so they are ready for school," said Mr Welford.

"Incorporating home languages in dynamic play-based learning environments supports children's developing awareness of Standard Australian English as a second or additional language.

"Successful early learning relies on strong relationships between school and community.

"Foundations for Success is about educators working with children's families and communities to create a program that reflects their local culture and experience."