Monday, 03 February 2020

More children in the Davidson electorate will have access to quality early childhood education, with the NSW Government today announcing almost $20,000 to invest in attendance-encouraging initiatives.

Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, said the funding – part of the NSW Government’s Community Grants program – aims to increase the number of Aboriginal children and children from disadvantaged backgrounds attending a preschool program.

“Services in Davidson and across NSW were encouraged to apply for grants at various levels to invest in activities to encourage preschool attendance.”

Two Davidson services are being funded by the Community Grants program:

  • Ganeinu Long Day Care & Preschool - $10,000 to support workshops to assist children from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Uniting Forest Preschool Belrose - $9,227 to deliver incursions (a learning experience at the pre-school) with a local Aboriginal community member.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said it is absolutely crucial for children to experience some kind of early childhood education prior to attending school.

“We know the cognitive, social and emotional benefits a child gains from attending an early childhood education service are incredibly valuable,” Ms Mitchell said.

“As a Government, we are committed to ensuring every child, no matter where they’re from or what their background is, has access to an early childhood service.”

For more information, visit the Department of Education website.