Goodstart reaffirms reconciliation commitment

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider, Goodstart Early Learning have “thrown their support” behind a new initiative to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children receive quality early learning and family support through their endorsement of a position paper launched recently by Early Childhood Australia (ECA) and SNAICC – National Voice for our Children (SNAICC)

The position paper highlights the importance of early learning as well as the issues that prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children accessing early childhood education and care, and was released in February.

Alongside their endorsement of the position paper, Goodstart have also called on organisations across the sector to “shine a light on this important matter” by distributing the position paper and talking publicly about how they are working to address inequality for First Nations children.

Goodstart recognise the importance of their endorsement and of taking proactive steps toward a reconciled Australia, social impact general manager Myra Geddes said, noting that, as the largest early learning provider in the country, Goodstart have “a vital role in supporting children as our future leaders, to understand, respect and celebrate our nation’s past and support Australia’s progress.”

Ms Geddes said Goodstart proudly supported the initiative because it was fundamentally aligned with the organisation’s purpose – to ensure all children have the learning, development and wellbeing outcomes they need for school and life.

With two in every five First Nations children starting school developmentally vulnerable, Ms Geddes said the endorsement was a positive way for Goodstart to demonstrate their commitment to progressing and improving outcomes for First Nations children.

Goodstart said the endorsement formed part of a larger organisational focus designed to ensure that every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child could access culturally appropriate early childhood education, and that families using their services are “empowered to access the support services they need so that their children can thrive.”

“Our purpose is built on a foundation of equity, integrity and respect and we are committed to reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians,” Ms Geddes said.

Further information about the Goodstart reconciliation journey may be accessed here.