The Federal Minister for Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett, has released the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Universal Access Strategy, which addresses issues in early childhood education in the Indigenous community.

 

“The strategy is an important element of the Council of Australian Governments’ commitment to provide access to a quality early childhood education program for all children by 2013,” Mr Garrett said.

 

The document identifies four key areas for future effort, and details state and territory government action in these areas:

  • increasing access to early childhood education;
  • positive community awareness and engagement;
  • quality early childhood programs and activities; and
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness of teachers and support staff.

 

“Around 64 per cent of Indigenous children are enrolled in early childhood education programs in the year before schooling, compared with 70 per cent of all Australian children,” Mr Garrett said.

 

“These rates need to increase significantly if we are going to achieve universal access in 2013. The strategy provides greater support for governments as we work together to ensure Indigenous kids have the best start in life, preparing them for school and beyond.”

 

The full report can be accessed on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website here