Evaluation finds significant skill gain for children who joined three-year-old pilot in Tas

A recent evaluation of the Tasmanian Working Together – supporting early learning pilot, which gave eligible children an opportunity to participate in up to 400 hours of free, quality early learning in the year before they start kindergarten, found that parents of children participating felt their children “had gained skills which significantly contributed to a successful transition to kindergarten”.

 

The initiative is funding 120 places for eligible children in 2020 and is being rolled out gradually in Tasmania through 19 early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

 

Participating families identified a number of skills acquired through the pilot they believed assisted in their child’s preparation for kindergarten, including advances in communication and self-regulation, toilet training and building friendships, with families also noting that involvement in the program helped to reduce separation anxiety issues for both parents and children.

 

Confidence and independence were large growth areas for those children who joined the program, which is unique in its holistic approach to having children and families work in partnership with early childhood educators and engagement workers to support children to thrive.

 

“Working Together is demonstrating how much can be achieved by addressing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for children to learn, make friends and build confidence,” Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training, Jeremy Rockliff said.

 

“No matter the circumstances or background, all three year old children deserve the opportunity to experience early learning, as research shows those who attend early learning perform better at school and in their lives,” he added.

 

For more information regarding the Working Together initiative, please see here.