The Australian Government is supporting a trial of an intensive early childhood education and care model, with a dedicated First Nations site being launched today.
The model is designed to support children from birth up to 3 years bridge the gap to school readiness. It offers:
- intensive early education and care
- infant mental health and family support
- access to services to redress harm and overcome trauma
- support for children’s learning and development.
It aims to help these children start school as confident learners. The trial will benefit up to 200 children across 4 sites.
Among 4 sites selected for the trial, the dedicated First Nations site, Boori Milumba, was launched today.
Boori Milumba is located at Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre on Wadi Wadi Wandanian country in Nowra, New South Wales.
Cullunghutti is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation. Cullunghutti provides culturally safe services for children and families in the Shoalhaven community.
Boori Milumba is a dedicated First Nations site. To ensure it is culturally safe, SNAICC – the National Voice for our Children, is leading the co-development of the site, in partnership with local communities and First Nations leaders.
The Parkville Institute is leading the trial.
The trial builds on a research project by the University of Melbourne. The project found that targeted, intensive early childhood education and care can lead to extraordinary improvements in a child’s cognitive skills, resilience and socio-emotional development.
The trial contributes to Closing the Gap Targets 3 and 4.
The Minister for Early Childhood Education, the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, attended the launch today.
Read the Minister’s media release
Learn more about the intensive early childhood education and care model trial.