Early literary and numeracy for children in care
As literacy is one of the most important foundations for success at school and in life,
the Commission proudly supports innovative early literacy and numeracy initiatives which may contribute to positive outcomes for children in care.
Literacy and numeracy development begins well before children start school. Young children learn from their experiences and their contact with the people around them who care for them.
The best type of activities to support early literacy and numeracy development are those that are familiar and use every day situations. Talking to children, reading books with them, singing songs and playing games all have important roles in supporting children’s early literacy and numeracy.
During 2009, the Commission distributed sets of Early Childhood Literacy and Numeracy Cards to foster carers in Queensland who care for children under six years of age.
These literacy and numeracy cards are part of a suite of resources developed and produced by the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), based on sound learning theory and designed to support parents and carers enhance the literacy and numeracy of young children.
The complete set of resources is available in hard copy on request and online at:
http://www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Resources/Pages/EarlyChildhoodLearning.aspx
These resources also complement the literacy and numeracy resources for school aged children in care developed by the Queensland Department of Education and Training. Both sets of resources reinforce the importance of literacy and numeracy development throughout the early years of a child’s life. This is particularly critical for children in care who may be vulnerable to low literacy and numeracy outcomes.
The sets of cards were distributed to foster carers by the Commission’s Community Visitors (CVs), who visit children in care on a regular basis. Feedback has been very positive, as the following note from a CV Zonal Manager indicates:
“A number of my CVs have said how receptive the carers have been. The presentation of the cards made it into a valued resource. The strategies were clear and well presented and the cards have also made their way into other areas such as child care, which reinforces their use as a legitimate tool. So all up, 100% positive.”
The literacy and numeracy resources were also provided to Foster Care Queensland coordinators, and to all Queensland Child Safety Service Centres. This is to ensure that child protection staff are familiar with the resources and are able to promote and support their use by foster carers of young children.
The Commission is committed to ensuring that all children, but particularly those most vulnerable and those in the child safety system, receive the services and support necessary to reach their educational potential. Through its Child Guardian function, the Commission independently monitors outcomes for children and young people in the Queensland child safety system and has a mandate to publicly report on its performance.
