12/03/2024
Parents or guardians of children are invited to participate in an online survey aimed at improving early learning services in Georges River by identifying service gaps and resources for children with disability.
As part of its Early Learning Services Strategy 2021, Council is looking to enhance childcare support for vulnerable children and children with additional needs.
The strategy involves exploring the feasibility of establishing an additional centre focusing on vulnerable children and children with additional needs, which aligns with findings from the 2021 Australian Early Development Census that indicated a higher level of vulnerability for children in seven suburbs within the local government area compared with the Australian and NSW averages.
Georges River Council Mayor Sam Elmir said the objectives of the online survey are to understand the community’s needs and expectations concerning early learning and childcare and identify trends, barriers, and opportunities related to early learning services in Georges River.
“As a Council, we play a pivotal role in addressing potential service gaps in this space, especially for children aged 0-2 years and for children with additional needs. Our vision is to be a beacon of best practice and service excellence in early childhood education,” Mayor Elmir said.
State-wide feedback to the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund – Have Your Say survey identified a need for increased support for children with disability and children with additional needs through additional educational resources within services as well as training and funding to support staff.
“Council is looking to consult with families and the sector to identify whether these state-identified issues are similarly impacting the community and early childhood education and care sector in our local government area,” Mayor Elmir said.
The survey is part of Georges River Council’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. Georges River Council proudly operates six childcare facilities, all dedicated to providing quality care and education:
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Ocean Street Kindergarten in Kogarah for children aged 2.5 to 6 years.
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Jack High Child Care Centre in Beverly Hills offering a spacious, engaging outdoor learning environment connecting children with nature.
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Oatley West Early Learning Centre for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years of age.
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South Hurstville Kindergarten, a preschool offering 2 days per week of funded education during school terms for ages 3 to 5 years.
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Penshurst Long Day Care, an Early Learning Centre recognised for innovative sustainable practices for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years of age.
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Carss Park Narani Child Care Centre, an Early Learning Centre surrounded by parks and community gardens for babies and children ages 0 to 6.
The online survey is open now until 22 March 2024.