New grants program will help NSW based Aboriginal children to access preschool

A new grants program will help preschool services to provide access to quality early childhood education (ECEC) for Aboriginal children in their communities through grants to more than 50 eligible services. 

Families and children will have access to additional support to participate in 600 hours of quality early childhood education in the two years prior to school.

“Participation in early childhood education is fundamental to ensure children have the best possible start to their educational journeys,” Ms Mitchell said. “This is about making sure that Aboriginal children and their families are supported and have easy access to quality early learning.” 

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for a range of initiatives to support access to quality preschool education for Aboriginal children that will benefit and enrich the development of culture in the community.

The funding, Ms Mitchell explained, can be used for initiatives such as transport services to help families access the preschools, development opportunities for staff to learn how to further support Aboriginal children and engagement with Aboriginal community members.

“Services will have the opportunity, for example, to engage with local Aboriginal community members to conduct dreamtime story-telling sessions or explore Aboriginal art,” she added.

“They’ll also be able to provide access to specialised staff to deliver targeted support to Aboriginal children and their families.”

For more information, visit the Department of Education website.