Purpose
To assist schools in improving the wellbeing of children prior to school.
Through the Connect 4 Children Strategy, communities will be supported to develop local partnerships that are focused on developing a plan to help improve the wellbeing of children prior to school (from birth to 5-years-old). The Birth-5 Plans will value and incorporate child, family and community perspectives in decision-making and will reflect the priorities and next steps for communities. Partnerships Facilitators (Early Years) will support Queensland communities to identify what matters most for their children in the early years.
Background
The whole-of-government
Early Years Plan to support all Queensland children’s wellbeing prior to school and to have a great start in life.
Improving wellbeing prior to school is led by the Department of Education, through the Division of Early Childhood and Community Engagement as the lead government agency. The Queensland Government is committed to reducing the percentage of Queensland children—developmentally vulnerable—on 1 or more Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) domains to 22% by 2025 (from 25.9% in 2018).
The 2018 AEDC data demonstrates that the majority of children in Queensland are developmentally on track by the time they start school. The data also shows Queensland children experience vulnerability on 1 or more domains at higher levels than the national average—however, Queensland has reduced vulnerability at a greater rate than nationally since 2009.
Duration of program
1 July 2019 to 30 June 2023
Eligibility
Identified host state schools negotiated regionally
Allocation of funds
Each region has identified schools and their communities that, according to 2018 AEDC data, indicated the largest number of children developmentally vulnerable on 1 or more (of 5) domains of AEDC.
Through Work Package submissions, regions requested additional staff to implement their program strategies within the identified communities. Some regions have determined that a school-based position would better suit their implementation strategy.
Funding allocations for these school-based positions has been determined based on negotiations with regions having regard to key program elements such as the number of priority locations in each region, the number of children experiencing vulnerability in the target locations and kindergarten participation rates.
Payment details
Payments will be made to the identified host schools subject to recruitment of positions or renegotiation of contracts (the timing for which will be negotiated with regions). The Principal of the host school will be informed of the arrangements by the Early Childhood Education and Care Director in the relevant region once funding decisions (including about timing) are made.
How to apply
Regions have identified the schools and their communities based on the 2018 AEDC data. There is no application required by schools. Regions will engage with relevant schools to support delivery.
Payments will be made only to schools that have been identified to host program staff to implement the program strategies.
Contact
Manager Workforce Aset Planning and Programs
Early Childhood
Phone: (07) 3055 2786