The Tasmanian Early Years Foundation has done a magnificent job of raising awareness and the profile of the early years in Tasmania. It has helped foster a vibrant, multi-disciplinary community of practice and should be used as an example of how to work across government and alongside the community to achieve improved outcomes more broadly.
The Australian newspaper has today reported research demonstrating the long term economic savings provided by high quality services in the early years. These savings run into the billions of dollars. It adds more weight to the already significant economic, social and moral arguments surrounding the need to focus on improving the quality and availability of services for our very young children.
Nurturing a state of educated and capable young people who are ready and willing to make a contribution to our society doesn’t just start by increasing our year 12 retention rates (which is sorely needed). It begins with the very first experiences our young children have of family, community and the services that support them.
