REED celebrates four years of supporting early learning in the Wheatbelt

The Regional Early Education and Development Inc (REED), the not for profit organisation which offers a cluster model of management to provide early childhood education and care for children and families living in the West Australian Wheatbelt, recently held a virtual celebration to mark four years of successful operations. 

 

REED aims to reduce the burden on local Committees and Shires in providing vital ECEC community services and was launched in Narrogin in March 2018 by Minister Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Child Protection; Women’s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services. 

 

The first service merged with REED in June 2019 and the initiative enjoyed strong bi-partisan support and State Government and Lotterywest funding during its establishment phase.

 

To celebrate reaching the four year anniversary REED invited parents, community members, business, Shire Presidents and Members of Parliament to be part of a live reading in line with COVID restrictions. 

 

The story of The Little Possum Who Looked Up by West Australian author Kim Maslin was read by former Governor, farmer and Special Storyteller, Hon Malcom McCusker AC.  Hon McCusker shared the adventures of a possum called Pebbles in her quest to get her family off their devices and screens with all of the children in REED services that day. Regardless of age, there’s a message for everyone in this story.

 

The storytelling session was a great success with all 24 REED locations taking part in the celebration.  

 

“This was the most resourceful way to mark the occasion together with all sites.  Thanks to Hon McCusker for donating his time and voice and Kim who allowed us to read her wonderful book,” REED Board Chair Helen Creed said.

 

REED is currently the Approved Provider or Licensee for services located in 24 regional and small rural communities where private-for-profit and large not for profit organisations have no interest in providing services. 

 

REED’s footprint has recently extended to Nannup in the South West region and mergers are being negotiated with services in the MidWest region. ECEC services are provided by REED in childcare centres, family day care and outside school hours care in 24 communities, for some 700 children and their families and REED currently employs 96 staff. For more information about REED please see here.