A new child health assessment that supports literacy development is now available statewide.
Introduced in July, the 'Kids Love to Learn' assessment is a 60-minute appointment available to every child at the age of 18 months, delivered by child health nurses from 70 community locations across the State.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the new assessment is part of the Tasmanian Government's plan to lift literacy rates and boost support to families.
"We know literacy development is a vital component of the early years and can significantly impact lifelong outcomes," Minister Archer said.
"By investing in our children now, we can continue to work together to move our State forward.
"The new 'Kids Love to Learn' assessment focuses on literacy development through the lens of the child and caregiver relationship, in recognition of the important role parents and carers play as their child's first teacher.
"Our Government is delivering for Tasmania with this new assessment, which is an important part our Lifting Literacy Plan.
"I encourage parents and caregivers to book in for this assessment, as well as the existing schedule of assessments offered by the Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS) to every Tasmanian child at key developmental milestones.
"I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will make in lifting literacy, optimising child health outcomes, and helping all families to discover the joy of reading together."
The 18-month Child Health Assessment is in addition to the existing universal assessments offered by CHaPS at the ages of two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, six months, 12 months, two years and four years.
As with every CHaPS appointment, the 18-month assessment includes growth and developmental screening, and an opportunity to discuss any additional parental concerns, along with the central focus on literacy development.
