Majella Devlin Early Start Kindergarten Partnership

1. Majella Devlin Early Start Kindergarten Partnership

2. A Ballarat Partnership Majella Claire Devlin, Child & Family Services, Ballarat Early Start Kindergarten Project

3. Acknowledgement We acknowledge the Kulin nation and the Wurundjeri – traditional guardians of this land.

4. Traditional Child Rearing Responsibilities given according to position within the clan: Nourishment with a secure base – the attachment relationship (I am loved) Nourishment with food Nourishment with the teaching of knowledge and spritual connection (I belong)

5. “As is the case with native people the world over, everyone is responsible for the care and loving of each child. The child bonds with the community, not only with his or her two parents. The child learns from the wealth and knowledge of the entire community.” - Anne Wilson Schaef

6. Agenda WHY – The aims of the project WHAT – An overview of the project WHO – Who is involved in the partnership HOW – How the partnership works CASE STUDY OUTCOMES RECAP

7. Early Childhood Development Developmental milestones - the right of every child, every person to develop to their fullest potential Not meeting developmental milestones leaves us vulnerable

8. Evolutionary Perspective Developmental milestones are crucial to survival Survival depends on: Neurological development Motor skills Sociability

9. Today, not meeting developmental milestones still leaves us vulnerable: Individually – Unmet potential Poor mental health – the next generation Community Lower school attendance and retention Lower employment opportunities Fragmented communities

10. Costs to the community - continued Evidence: Early Years Study – Canada and South Australia (Fraser Mustard) An Ambitious Social Experiment – Harlem Children's Zone – Harlem (Geoffrey Canada)

11. Agenda WHY – The aims of the project WHAT – An overview of the project WHO – Who is involved in the partnership HOW – How the partnership works CASE STUDY OUTCOMES RECAP

12. Early Start Kindergarten A new initiative by Department of Education & Early Childhood Development to provide around 2,000 places for 3 y.o. children known to Child Protection with an early start to kindergarten, free of charge, by 2011.

13. Aims of the initiative To provide vulnerable children greater access to early developmental opportunities to enhance their readiness for 4 year old Kindergarten To optimise future learning experiences in early primary school

14. Agenda WHY – The aims of the project WHAT – An overview of the project WHO – Who is involved in the partnership HOW – How the partnership works CASE STUDY OUTCOMES RECAP

15. The Partnership • Child & Family Services, Ballarat • Centacare Ballarat • Child Protective Services, Ballarat • Dept of Education & Early Childhood Development, Ballarat • Eureka Community Kindergarten Association • Uniting Care

16. Agenda WHY – The aims of the project WHAT – An overview of the project WHO – Who is involved in the partnership HOW – How the partnership works CASE STUDY OUTCOMES RECAP

17. How the project works • Raise community awareness • Promote initiative with agencies • Identify at-risk children needing funded places • Facilitate enrolment • Support teacher, child and family to maintain placement

18. The impact of trauma on learning Trauma alters neurobiology Stress affects memory Fear inhibits exploration and play Fight/flight system shuts down learning

19. Impact of environment Speech and language delay (expressive/receptive) Motor skills development delay (gross and fine) Emotional/behavioural difficulties Social skills deficits (not there yet for most 3 year olds)

20. How the project addresses this • Support to teachers – consultation and direct support • Support to children in class setting where required • Monitoring progress directly • Sessions meet needs of traumatised children • Professional development for teachers

21. Agenda WHY – The aims of the project WHAT – An overview of the project WHO – Who is involved in the partnership HOW – How the partnership works CASE STUDY OUTCOMES RECAP

22. Case Study • Lily, aged 3 • Speech delay • Gross and Fine motor skill delay • Receptive and expressive language delay • Parental intellectual disability • Family violence • Parental substance use

23. Agenda WHY – The aims of the project WHAT – An overview of the project WHO – Who is involved in the partnership HOW – How the partnership works CASE STUDY OUTCOMES RECAP

24. Outcome for community • At-risk children linked to developmental opportunities • Stronger community links • Future education retention increases • Future employment opportunities increases • Community self-esteem increases

25. Outcome for children • Opportunities for developmental growth • Connection to teachers • Friendships begin – social skills grow • Link into education • Self-esteem grows • Enjoyment

26. Recap • Recognised need: at-risk children at developmental disadvantage • Addressed need through innovative practice – a return to traditional community values • Overcoming barriers to collaborative practice – working toward shared goals • Benefit to whole community

27. End of Project. Early Start Kindergarten Project ends December 2010

28. Lessons learned...... Working together in partnerships creates success Shared goals Face to face – get to know your neighbours Trust – earn respect through honesty Relationships – develop friendly alliances.