Victoria Leads On Early Childhood Language Learning

More than 6,000 preschool children across Victoria are learning different languages, thanks to the Early Childhood Language Program, an Australian-first state-funded program being rolled out in kindergartens across the state.

The program provides early childhood services with funding to employ a suitably qualified teacher or educator to deliver part of their kindergarten program in another language and now features twenty languages including Aboriginal languages, Arabic, Auslan, Chinese, French, Italian and Spanish.

Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt confirmed that more than 160 Victorian kindergartens are now participating in the $17.9 million program.

“Learning in another language has fantastic rewards for young children – improving brain function as well as helping them to read and write in English,” Ms Stitt said. 

“Whether it’s Spanish or Chinese, it’s fantastic to be giving Victorian children the opportunity to learn in a language other than English at a young age and celebrate a different culture.”

Qualified language teachers deliver the program in partnership with the other kindergarten staff. Languages are incorporated into everyday learning experiences to give children meaningful opportunities to use the language. The children learn in another language through play, art, music, singing, dancing and stories.

To learn more about the program please click here.