Good Start program to improve quality of early childhood education

19/6/95

Four to eight-year-old children will receive a better educational start to life as a result of a program announced by Education Minister Norman Moore today.

"Early childhood education in WA is of a high standard, however the Good Start program, announced in the State Budget, will further improve the quality of education received by children specifically four and five-year-olds," Mr Moore said.

"Good Start will also ensure that all four and five-year-olds have access to appropriate education programs at their local government schools by the year 2000.

"The current system has many inequities - not all children have access to kindergarten programs and others have to travel well beyond their local school to participate in pre-primary education."

Mr Moore said an additional 12,500 full time places would need to be provided for five-year-olds by the year 2000.   A further 12,500 places would need to be available for four-year-olds who could attend for two half-days per week. 

The Minister said the Government would have to build an additional 340 pre-primary centres and employ 400 more teachers and 400 more teacher aides by the year 2000 to meet the demand.

The Minister said research constantly highlighted the need for early intervention for children who were not progressing as well as expected through the education system. 

One recent US study found that for every $1,000 spent on high quality pre-primary programs, there were long-term savings of over $7,000 for the community on remedial education, health and other social programs.

Mr Moore said Good Start would put effective strategies in place to identify any learning or behavioural problems early, so preventative action could be taken.

Good Start included a five-year plan which would adjust the compulsory entry age from next year for children turning four and five, and in 1997 for six year olds.  By the year 2000 children turning four, five or six by April 30 would be eligible to start kindergarten, pre-primary or year one.  Previously, December 31 was the cut-off date. 

"Good Start is a major commitment to quality education and will ensure that the next generation will have access to some of the best teaching and learning environments anywhere in the world," Mr Moore said.

"Investment in good early education is arguably one of the best investments a society can make and there is no question that early intervention is the most effective solution to learning problems.

"An important objective is to provide every student with a chance to become a confident, independent learner equipped with the skills and attitudes to make the most of the educational opportunities which follow."

Media contacts: John Altham 264 4667 or pager 480 4441

Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or pager 480 5325

NOTE:  The Education Department has set up a hotline to answer any queries.  The Good Start information line numbers are 264 5302 or country free call 1-800-635 674.