Push to support literacy in children under 6yo who are living out of home

The South Australian Government will provide $540,000 in funding to Raising Literacy Australia’s Read to Me out-of-home care program for the next three years.

The program supports children six years of age and under in out-of-home care to have strong literacy outcomes by sending them a quarterly package which includes age-appropriate books to further promote their learning and positive adult-child interactions.

“Reading with children is a lovely and important thing to do,” said SA’s Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard. “It connects a caregiver and a child, takes them on a journey together and helps the child to improve their literacy.”

“The experience of a child and caring adult reading together and experiencing the many benefits that brings is particularly important for children who are going through tough times. This program ensures they have special, nurturing time with an adult where they are the focus.”

Children in the program are typically very excited to receive their own brand-new books every few months, and 97 per cent of carers believe the packages benefit children in their care, with 85 per cent of carers indicating it promotes further ‘together’ time.

In addition to the regular flow of new books, children also receive a Read to Me library bag, with carers receiving resources, including an activity book and role modelling DVD.

Since 2018, the number of carers reading to children in their care multiple times every week has increased by 50 per cent.

“We are so grateful to the state government, the Lang Family Foundation, Variety (the children’s charity) and Cochrane’s Transport for supporting this program,” said Raising Literacy CEO Kate Ellis.

“This program is particularly close to our heart. This is targeted to help the South Australian children who need it the very most.”