After two years of comprehensive development, the Y WA School ReadY Program has been officially rolled out across all 14 Y WA Early Learning Centres (ELCs)!
Based on the science of early childhood development, this program represents a unique opportunity to generate positive social impact within our communities.
This initiative addresses a critical need, as an alarming 22 percent of children start school developmentally vulnerable, and one-third of Australian students failing to learn to read proficiently.
Following an inspiring two-day professional learning workshop for educators from across the state, delivery of the program has seen children experience intentional teaching and play-based experiences to support early literacy and language development. Activities are fun and engaging for children, whilst developing key skills needed for a successful start to formal schooling.
This initiative addresses a critical need, as an alarming 22 percent of children start school developmentally vulnerable, and one-third of Australian students fail to learn to read proficiently.
ELCs have provided opportunities for children to engage and interact with storybooks as they explore the parts of a book, learn new vocabulary words and discuss different parts of the story. Activities have also seen children tuning into environmental sounds and spoken words, listening for long and short words and counting words in sentences.
When asked about the progress of the implementation, Centre Director Dinusha Kalupahana from the Y Westminster ELC expressed great positivity. "When new families and potential enrolments visit the centre, I always highlight our new School ReadY Program and encourage them to join for its benefits in preparing children for school”.
"Parents have provided positive feedback on the program. I recently received an email from a parent praising the program, noting that her daughter is deeply engaged with the storybooks we read at the center and is now reading them at home”, said Dinusha.
Educators at ELCs are receiving on-going support from the recently appointed Y WA Literacy Specialist, Renee Chakaodza, to continue to develop their own knowledge and skills. They stand poised to make a lasting impact on the children in their care as they support them to flourish once they start formal schooling and beyond.
For more information about the Y WA School ReadY Program, please contact Renee Chakaodza via email at renee.chakaodza@ymcawa.org.au