Early Childhood Development portfolio
2329. Hon Alison Xamon to the Minister for Energy representing the Minister for Education
I refer to the assignment of Early Childhood Development portfolio, to the Minister for Education, as reported in the media statement by the Premier of 12 January 2010, and ask —
(1) Why does the Minister’s title not reflect the Early Childhood Development portfolio?
(2) What funding has been allocated in the Minister’s 2009-2010 Budget for early childhood programs?
(3) What percentage of this funding is used for children below kindergarten age?
(4) What support services does the Department provide to pre-kindergarten children?
(5) If the Department for Education does not provide any services to pre-kindergarten children, is this of concern to the Minister?
Hon PETER COLLIER replied:
(1) Ministerial titles are designated by the Premier. Please note, that on 12 January 2009, the Premier announced that the responsibility of Early Childhood Development would be incorporated into the Education portfolio.
(2) The Department of Education allocates budgets to public schools on the basis of the cost of primary (K-7) and secondary education services. The Department does not allocate budgets or model costs specifically for early childhood (Kindergarten and pre-primary); it is therefore not possible to extrapolate the costs for pre-compulsory education from primary education.
In relation to the Minister for Education's responsibility for early childhood development and learning, the Western Australian Government has entered into three National Partnerships on early childhood education and care: These financial arrangements with the Commonwealth Government build on the excellent investment by the Western Australian Government in the early childhood education and care sector.
(3) The Department of Education does not directly fund educational programs for children below kindergarten age. Some schools conduct or host school community programs that may incorporate children of pre-compulsory school age. Aboriginal kindergartens can enrol three year old children if vacancies exist. The Western Australian Institute of Deaf Education and the Vision Education Service support children with sensory impairments and their families with professional advice and equipment. These programs are funded through existing resources.
(4) The Department of Education is funded to provide educational programs for children from the Kindergarten year.
(5) The Western Australian Government is giving careful consideration how best to improve the quality and integration of children's services, including children of pre-kindergarten age.