Families in remote Queensland now have greater access to high quality early childhood education and care (ECEC).
The Napranum Early Childhood Centre has opened its newly integrated service which brings together the former daycare and kindergarten services into one place.
This milestone follows more than 2 years of dedicated work from the community, led by the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council and supported by the Department of Education and SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.
Funded in 2021 under the Australian Government’s Community Child Care Fund restricted grant, the service is one of several First Nations-led ECEC services being established in remote areas with limited access to Child Care Subsidy-approved care.
SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is the community partner for these services, to support the development and delivery of community-led and culturally safe ECEC.
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Senator Dr Jess Walsh, said:
“The integrated Napranum Early Childhood Centre opening is a fantastic outcome for First Nations children and families in Napranum, providing greater access for children in the community who need it most.
“Every child should benefit from access to quality and culturally safe early childhood education and care, including in remote regional communities in Queensland.
“That’s why the Australian Government is investing in our regional and remote communities through programs like the Community Child Care Fund.
“More families access to quality early childhood education and care in areas where it is needed most. And that’s why our government is investing $500 million over four years to deliver just that.”
Read the Minister’s media release.
Learn more about how the Community Child Care Fund is reducing barriers to ECEC across Australia.