Right now almost 23% of Australia’s children are not developmentally on-track with language skills when they start school.
The National Early Language and Literacy Coalition represents a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the sector, working together to progress a National Early Language and Literacy Strategy.
The National Early Language and Literacy Coalition represents a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the sector, working together to progress a National Early Language and Literacy Strategy.
Proposed Strategy
The Proposed National Early Language and Literacy Strategy
The National Early Language and Literacy Coalition (NELLC), a body of 10 key organisations, together with the support of the Ian Potter Foundation, and input from government departments, agencies and interested parties, have developed a proposed national strategy that they want the government to review and prioritise.
The Proposed National Early Language and Literacy Strategy sets out the scale of the issue; describes what is happening on the ground, in different communities, and puts forward a framework for action. It is condensed into four essential priority areas – family support within communities; early education and transitions; specialist support, and knowledge production and dissemination.
As a school-based speech-language pathologist I see first hand the number of children entering our preschools and kindergartens with delayed speech and language skills that put them at a disadvantage in communication, forming friendships and acquiring literacy from the get go. School for these kids is them constantly trying to catch up instead of just participating and developing typically with their age peers. The short-term, long-term and educational implications can be significantly reduced nationally with timely support and sound early intervention strategies.
Ready to make a difference?
Help Australian children get the best start in life so they can reach their full potential.
Coalition
Funding Partner
The project has the support of the Ian Potter Foundation, which provided funding for a three-year project “Early Language and Literacy: Reviewing the evidence, good practice guidance, and developing a national strategy project”, and a subsequent “Impact Engagement Grant” to support momentum and interest around the proposed strategy.
For more information contact info@earlylanguageandliteracy.org.au
