REED launches Yarning Circle to build connections with First Nations communities

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Regional Early Education & Development Inc (REED) launched its first Yarning Circle at its Narrogin service recently in a bid to build and strengthen connections with First Nations communities and increase the number of First Nations children participating in early learning programs. 

REED is using funding from the Commonwealth Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) to create a welcoming and culturally safe environment for First Nations children and families, while also providing employment opportunities for local First Nations community members, who have come on board as trainees – something the provider says has been instrumental in seeing  participation rates increase.

A total of 14 Yarning Circles will be implemented across Regional West Australian services, with Narrogin being the first officially opened.

“It has  consistently been part of REED’s strategic plan to implement a strategy to engage First Nations children and families in our services,” explained REED Operations Manager Steven Sizer. 

“Our focus has been to remove or overcome known barriers and respond quickly to ongoing feedback from the families accessing our services. We continue to listen and adapt to changing needs, such as transportation to and from childcare, which commenced in late August at Narrogin.”

To watch the official launch video from Narrogin please use this link.