The Y WA launch new school readiness program to tackle developmental vulnerabilities

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider the Y WA has responded to what it terms ‘alarming’ statistics showing that 22 per cent of children start school developmentally vulnerable in one or more Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) domains by developing a unique school readiness program. 

 

School readiness refers to the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by a child, so that when they commence formal schooling they can successfully engage in learning. In development for over two years, the program is informed by a contemporary understanding of the science of early childhood learning and brain development. 

 

The play-based intentional learning program (School ReadY) has been rolled out across all 14 of the Y WA Early Learning Centres and is designed to support three to five year old children by building success in three developmental domains: 

 

• Literacy and language development
• Social and emotional wellbeing 
• Numeracy

 

The program is  initially focussing on early literacy and oral language through play-based, fun learning experiences, the Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald explained. 

 

“Reading is the key to learning so if we can teach children the early literacy and oral language skills that prepare them to learn to read once they get to school, they will have a greater opportunity to thrive,” he said. 

 

Currently one third of Australian students fail to learn to read proficiently, at an estimated cost to the economy of $40 billion.

 

Dr McDonald is a leading authority on student learning and engagement and has led the program with recognised experts in their fields. 

 

Dr Simmone Pogorzelski, researcher at Edith Cowan University developed the Literacy and Language component in partnership with Knowledge Society and Y WA educators. 

 

Dr Tessa Weadman from La Trobe University Science of Language and Reading Lab reviewed the language components, and both were instrumental in facilitating a pilot of the program and evaluated its impact. 

 

The Y WA has also taken the bold step to appoint Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza to provide ongoing support and coaching to educators as they implement the program.

 

“School readiness is often perceived as being able to sit on a mat quietly, being able to get your lunchbox ready, use scissors or being able to listen to a story, however evidence shows that the brain is so receptive at this young age and there is so much more we can do to prepare children for success at school and beyond,” Dr McDonald said. 

 

“Our focus on the early years is a commitment to prioritising prevention and early intervention.”

 

Learn more about the Y WA here.