Learning Links is thrilled to announce continued support and funding from Georges River Council this year – a partnership that has been instrumental in supporting children in the local community since 2017. This vital collaboration ensures that children receive the support they need to thrive, and we are excited to share the latest development in this ongoing relationship.
The Council’s most recent grant will fund psychology support at Learning Links Preschool, strengthening our ability to provide comprehensive transdisciplinary support to children in their early years. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to fostering inclusive education and equipping children of all abilities with the skills they need to succeed as they transition to primary school.
Nurturing Mental Health and Wellbeing at Learning Links Preschool
This new initiative will enable a Learning Links psychologist to work as part of our preschool team for two terms, futher enhancing the nurturing and supportive environment our preschool offers.
This type of support is crucial for children’s development in the early years. The Australian Early Development Census tells us that 23% of children start school vulnerable or at risk in the ’emotional intelligence’ developmental domain, which refers to ‘children’s pro-social and helping behaviours and absence of anxious and fearful behaviour, aggressive behaviour and hyperactivity and inattention’ and that 24.1% of children start school vulnerable or at risk in social competence.
Without these core skills, children are at risk of not engaging fully in the classroom and with their peers at school, affecting their ability to learn and reach their full potential. That’s why Learning Links is committed to providing evidence-based supports to as many young children as possible, and ensuring Learning Links Preschool embraces a best-practice, inclusive approach to early childhood education.
At Learning Links Preschool, the psychologist’s role will include:
- Screening and Observations: Observing children’s behaviours, interactions, and needs to identify their strengths and areas for additional support with transitions, emotional regulation, social interactions and resilience.
- Collaborative Support: Working in partnership with our early childhood teachers, educators, and speech pathologists to promote children’s emotional, social, and behavioural development.
- Capacity Building for Educators: Contributing to programming and offering insights to help educators enhance their teaching practices and understanding of child development. This includes guidance on evidence-based approaches and professional development opportunities for team members.
By integrating a psychologist into our preschool setting, we are ensuring that children receive early support with mental health and wellbeing that is tailored to their individual needs. This will not only benefit the children at a crucial period of their development, but also empower our educators with enhanced knowledge, capacity and resources to support the children they work with.
A Lasting Impact from Past Support
Over the last eight years, Georges River Council’s support has allowed Learning Links to implement a wide variety of programs that have made a significant difference in the lives of children facing difficulties with their learning, development and wellbeing. These programs include:
Counting for Life®: A Learning Links numeracy program that has helped children in Years 3 to 5 improve their maths skills, self-esteem, and confidence.
Assessments in Schools: Funded psychology assessments in schools have been vital in identifying specific learning needs and developing tailored support strategies for children.
Links at Home – Reading: A free step-by-step guide to help parents provide extra support with their child’s reading at home, particularly if they are having difficulty learning to read at school.
Resilience and Wellbeing Programs: School-based programs focusing on mental health that have equipped children with coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.
Vital Resources: Learning Links has been able to invest in essential learning materials and tools to enhance our educational programs.
Teacher Training: Professional development opportunities for teachers have ensured that local schools remain at the forefront of best practices in supporting children who have difficulties with learning.
Impact on the Georges River Community
The ongoing support from Georges River Council has been transformative for children in the local community who face challenges with learning, development and wellbeing. By providing vital funding to enable more children to access specialist programs and professional support, Learning Links has fostered improvements in academic performance, self-confidence, and overall wellbeing among the children we have worked with.
For many families in the Georges River area, these programs have been a lifeline, offering hope and practical solutions for children who might otherwise fall behind their peers. The council’s commitment to supporting Learning Links has helped break down barriers to support services and opened up new possibilities families in need.
We are immensely grateful for the continued partnership with Georges River Council. Their support enables us to work towards our vision of all children who face difficulties with learning being understood and supported to reach their full potential.. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you, Georges River Council, for your unwavering support and dedication to the education and wellbeing of your community’s children!