Aboriginal children and children of low income families across the South Coast are set to benefit from grants aimed at improving the engagement and learning of preschool students.
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Seven Shoalhaven education services have received grants of up to $10,000 which will be used for activities that increase participation in early childhood education, including working with local Aboriginal community members to conduct Aboriginal art programs and providing breakfast programs.
The grant recipients include: Shoalhaven Community Preschool, Culburra & Districts Preschool, Clipper Road Early Education and Care Service, The Basin Early Education and Care Service, Sanctuary Point Early Education and Care Service, Cullunghutti Early Learning Centre and Big Fat Smile Milton Early Learning and Care.
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock welcomed the funding and said it will assist South Coast families after challenging times.
"Between bushfires and COVID-19, our community has faced a number of challenges over the past few years," said Mrs Hancock.
"Early learning services play a critical role in supporting children and families. It's fantastic to see this funding being made available to support the work of these services on the South Coast."
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said these grants will enable services on the South Coast to strengthen the foundations of children's learning in those crucial years before school.
"The NSW Government is committed to increasing educational access to quality early childhood education services, particularly for children from low income families and those from Aboriginal families," Ms Mitchell said.
"They'll also be able to provide access to specialised staff to deliver targeted support to South Coast children and their families."
Payments to eligible and successful services will be made from late December 2021.
For more information, visit the Department of Education website.
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