October 2002

Victoria’s children to get the best start

A $7.6 million Government initiative for Victorian children and families recognises the importance of giving children the best start in life.

Launching the Best Start initiative, Community Services Minister Bronwyn Pike and Education Services Minister Monica Gould said the aim was to close the gap for children in the early years by supporting the emotional, intellectual and physical development of children aged up to eight.

Five Best Start three-year trial projects have begun in the cities of Hume, Maribyrnong, Frankston, Shepparton and Yarra Ranges Shire, which have about 67,000 children aged up to eight.

Five more pilots are planned.

Ms Pike said Best Start would connect early childhood, social, health and education services to maximise development opportunities for children in the critical early years.

‘By making sure that children learn and socialise early, we can close the gap and make sure they overcome disadvantages and have more opportunities in life as they grow.

‘Community groups, schools, maternity groups, parents, local and state governments will join forces to find creative and locally relevant ways to tailor services.

Best Start targets families who are disadvantaged and also tackles social isolation, which can compound a lack of confidence in children and parents and lack of learning opportunities.

Children will be involved in play groups, in story reading and crafts and parents will learn new parenting skills to improve the well-being of the whole family.

Education Services Minister Monica Gould said schools would play a critical role in the program.

‘Schools are the linchpin of communities and we are already working in partnership with parents to ensure all students have the very best education possible,’ she said.

‘The Education Department will work with other government departments, local government and community organisations in building on the parent partnerships already established in schools.

‘Family care, health and nutrition and social and preschool stimulation directly affects—experts tell us—childrens’ intellect development.

‘Scientific research in Britain, Canada and the United States has linked a child’s social well-being, nutritional and intellectual supports with their brain development.’

Prime time for brain development is often in the first few years of a child’s life:

• Language development is well-advanced by five years old;

• Emotional control is well-advanced by 18 months of age;

• Maths and logic development is well-advanced by four-years-old.

‘The aim of Best Start is to use the learning from the trial projects to look at new ways to change practices of services for parents and children across that state.

‘Ultimately, this could benefit up to 550,000 young Victorians aged up to eight and their families.

‘The project acknowledges that parents are the single greatest influence on their children.

‘A key focus of Best Start is supporting parents, who are central to children’s social, health, education and recreational experiences that promote development.’

Services that can be brought together for the development of children include:

• Ante and post-natal support;

• Nursing mothers support;

• Child health and parent advice;

• Adult education;

• Housing, transport;

• Sport and recreation, libraries;

• Childcare, preschool, early school years;

• Family/parenting advice, child protection;

• Neighbourhood Houses;

• Schools and community centres;

• GPs, paediatricians, health and well-being advice.