Access to Early Learning

Access to Early Learning (AEL) is an early intervention program for three-year-old children from families with complex needs. It aims to make sure that three-year-old children that meet AEL eligibility criteria get the full benefits of attending a quality kindergarten program. The program funded by the Department of Education (DE) and is delivered by an experienced AEL Facilitator over a 12-month period.

The program supports families experiencing vulnerability to offer opportunity for their children to participate in quality Kindergarten programs and build confidence in their parenting.

There is a capacity of 16 families who can be supported by the AEL Facilitator. 

The Access to Early Learning Program will:

• Help children to access 15 hours per week of quality three-year-old kindergarten programs at low cost or no cost.
• Help families to find ways to support children to attend kindergarten regularly.
• Visit families at home to help parents and carers with activities to build on what their child is learning at kindergarten.
• Provide mentoring and professional learning for educators who support eligible children in the local service system.

Children are eligible if they are referred by:

• an Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Service
• family services
• the Orange Door or Child Protection

Children must be aged three by 30 April to participate in a program for the calendar year. Services will refer children with two or more complex needs, including:

• contact with Child Protection
• include a parent with an intellectual or physical disability
• a history of mental health concerns
• a history of family violence
• a history of sexual assault
• a history of alcohol and/or drug abuse