The Minister for Early Childhood, Peter Garrett, and the Minister for Employment Participation and Child Care, Kate Ellis, have announced more than $32.4 million for early childhood development.

 

The funding consists of a $9.2 million Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) package to assist the early childhood workforce to access training, and $23.2 million over four years for the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) to be met from within existing resources, bringing total funding for AEDI to $28 million (indexed) for each three year cycle.

 

The RPL package will fund

  • the development of specialist training for 600 RPL assessors in delivery of Certificate III, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Children's Services; and 
  • grants of up to $1125 for 2000 rural and remote child care staff per year, to reimburse them for out of pocket expenses associated with accessing RPL.

 

“The collection of data every three years through the Australian Early Development Index will measure the development of our kids and inform communities and governments about the resources required to best prepare students for the school environment.” Mr Garrett said.

 

The Federal Government will invest $500 000 to help early childhood professionals develop the skills they need to identify mental health risks and intervene appropriately.