Delivering on another election commitment, the Territory Labor Government has opened up new early childhood learning opportunities with preschool for three-year-olds now operating as part of primary schools at Ludmilla and Berry Springs.
The $2.2 million trial program offers families the opportunity to engage their children in education from an earlier age.
As part of the trial, three-year-old preschool will commence later this year at two other schools in Darwin as well as Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
Early childhood education plays a key role in the development of children's physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills, laying foundations for lifelong learning.
The expansion of preschool complements other early years education programs running across the Territory's urban, regional and remote areas including Families as First Teachers and Stay Play Learn.
In remote communities such as Galiwin'ku, Gunbalanya, Yuendumu, Milikapiti and Harts Range, children are already enrolled in preschool from the age of three.
Families in the Territory are provided with 15 hours per week of preschool free of charge in government schools for children in the year before they start full-time schooling.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
"We want to keep building Territory kids up, so they have the best possible shot at the future.
"We are proud to expand this trial program to more schools across the Territory, to ensure more families can access earlier education and with subsidised help.
"Our Territory Labor Government made an election commitment to invest in the development of young children to create long lasting, positive social and economic change and this trial program shows we are as good as our word."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Lauren Moss:
"We know increased participation in quality education programs in the early years is the foundation for lifelong learning and significantly contributes to a child's success later in life and that's why we are investing in programs to engage children in education from an earlier age.
"Early childhood education is one of the most important investments society can make towards a child's education and lifetime well-being and our Government wants Territory children to have access to opportunities to be the best they can be.
"These are early days but so far we are pleased with the success of the trial program and excited about the future prospects for Territory children."
