Supporting Early Childhood Learning

The Minister for Early Childhood Education and Child Care Kate Ellis today announced the new partners to deliver the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters.

The program helps families prepare their children for a successful start at school by providing educational resources and home tutors.

“We want all children to have the best possible start to their education. This program is helping parents and carers give that precious gift to their children,” Ms Ellis said.

The Australian Government is investing $32.5 million over five years to establish the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters in 50 communities by 2011. The program will help up to 3000 families nationwide. “The chosen organisations have strong credentials in working with communities to support families in need and I’m pleased that they are joining this important initiative.”

Partner organisations give support, facilities and links to other community, family and children’s services, including kindergartens, child care services and schools.

The program currently operates in 22 locations across Australia with three in New South Wales, six in Victoria, two in Queensland, two in Western Australia, six in Tasmania, and one each in South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

The following organisations will begin delivering the program in 2010.

State

New locations in 2010

New partner organisation and provider of the program

NSW

Bidwell (Sydney)

Uniting Care Burnside

NSW

Bowenfels (Lithgow)

Centacare Bathurst

NSW

Cabramatta (Sydney)

Learning Links

NSW

North Dubbo

Centacare Wilcannia-Forbes

NSW

Warrawong (Port Kembla)

Barnardos Australia

VIC

Braybrook

Western Region Health Centre

VIC

Long Gully/California Gully

St Luke's Anglicare Ltd

QLD

Logan Central

Kingston Eastern Neighbourhood Group

QLD

Mount Morgan

Australian Red Cross Society

QLD

Pioneer (Mt Isa)

Centacare Townsville

SA

Mansfield Park (Adelaide)

Novita Children's Services

SA

Whyalla Stuart

Uniting Care Wesley Port Pirie

NT

Katherine

Anglicare NT

These organisations will work with HIPPY Australia - a program of the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Further information about the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters is available at www.hippyaustralia.org.au