A vital education program for Bundaberg’s youngest and most vulnerable students is in danger of being axed by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the Early Childhood Development Programs (ECDP) at Norville and Walkervale State Schools would be cut if the Palaszczuk Labor Government had its way.
Mr Bennett said the Palaszczuk Labor Government had initially attempted to shut the important education program down, but delayed its decision by one year amid growing pressure from concerned parents.
“This program provides invaluable support to children before they enter Prep and is specifically designed for children with significant support needs arising from a diagnosed or suspected disability,” Mr Bennett said.
“Parents are deeply concerned about how their children will be supported once this program is gone.
“The meagre extension is of little comfort to concerned parents with children currently enrolled in the ECDPs.”
Mr Bennett said Education Minister Kate Jones had tried to blame every man and his dog for the closure, but the extension exposed her claims as nothing more than political buck passing.
“Our kids don’t need a blame game or a war-of-words, they need this program to continue so they can get the support they need to enter Prep,” he said.
Mr Bennett said the LNP supported the continuation of the ECDP and called on Labor to do the same.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s claim that the National Disability Insurance Scheme will fulfil the role of the ECDPs is ludicrous – parents know that, educators know that and the LNP knows that,” he said.
“Education is the foundation of opportunity, and I call on the Education Minister Kate Jones to reverse her decision to cut these invaluable services to ensure Queensland students get the best chance possible to have a bright future.”
Key Facts:
- ECDPs provide invaluable support to children from 0-5years of age who have significant support needs arising from a diagnosed or suspected disability.
- ECDPs are operated on school sites by Department of Education and Training Employees.
- They are provided to assist children get ready for their first year of schooling, including children with a disability of Prep-eligible age who are not enrolled in Prep, for example those who are repeating kindergarten.
- While the Minister attempted to shirk responsibility for closing this important education service, her Department’s own website state that they are responsible for the delivery of ECDPs.
- ECDPs are NOT funded by the Federal Government.
- A petition to continue the ECDP obtained almost 30,000 signatures.
- The LNP supports the continuation of the ECDP.