3 August 2005

Local MP welcomes new programme for local centres and at-risk families

Local early childhood education (ECE) centres in the Hastings and Masterton local authority areas within the Ikaroa - Tairawhiti boundary will be able to apply to pilot a new programme to help improve families parenting skills, Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP Parekura Horomia announced today.

“This is a great opportunity for our region to help to support whänau and to improve outcomes and increase opportunities for our young children. It provides ECE centres in our area with the chance to be involved in this exciting new project,” Parekura Horomia said.

The programme will provide parent education, social support and outreach activities to families. Local licensed and chartered early childhood education centres in the Hastings and Masterton areas are able to apply for the project in the first phase.

The programmes will provide: parenting education at early childhood education centres, or nearby community facilities, to develop parenting skills social support through parent support groups and activities, at the early childhood education centre or from other social support services outreach activities in conjunction with other social services specifically for vulnerable children and vulnerable parents.

"Engaging children and their whänau in quality early childhood education continues to be a key priority for Government and Maori".

“We know that quality early childhood education makes a positive difference to the learning outcomes for children. By linking the early childhood education centre to the home and community we will be able to strengthen services and get more children involved" said Parekura Horomia

Applications for the first phase of the project will be due on 2 September 2005.

ENDS

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