A support network is helping the current generation of Mid Murray preschoolers get set to start their education. The network was formed two years ago in response to a national report which found the Mid Murray district had a much higher than average proportion of "developmentally vulnerable" children. In 2009, the Australian Early Childhood Census report found almost a third of Mid Murray children were lagging in terms of physical health, social competence, emotional maturity, language and thinking, or communication skills and general knowledge. The figure was 40.6 per cent in 2015, the most recent census, though its precision could be called into question given it was based on just 71 children. Still, family participation worker Jane Barnett said the trends showed families needed more support. "There are many stresses on parents when they start a family," she said. "Most people find it a big adjustment having a baby and (finding) all the things they need to know and do." She said the Mid Murray Family Connections network could direct parents to playgroups, preschools and other services which existed to reduce the burden on parents, especially those who did not have immediate support handy from friends or family. Alternatively, it could help point services in the direction of smaller towns or rural communities they might have missed. "We can also try to connect people to their community, as having a local network can reduce the social isolation that many new parents feel," she said. "We're social creatures and we need social connections. "(Parents) need to know there are services out there that can support them." A detailed action plan for the district will be published in April. Developmentally vulnerable children made up 22.7pc of the total in Murray Bridge and 22.5pc in Karoonda East Murray and Southern Mallee, both significant decreases from 2012; and 25.9pc in the Coorong, which was about level with the previous result. The national average was 22pc, a percentage federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham said he hoped to reduce by providing 15 hours per week of preschool for all four-year-olds over the next two years, plus billions of dollars of additional investment in early childhood education and care. “Like all parents I know that one of my most important responsibilities is to support my children’s development,” he said. “I want reassurance they are on track physically, socially and cognitively, and if there are gaps, I want to know what I can do to help.”
Help at hand: Family participation worker Jane Barnett says support is available for Mid Murray families with young children. Photo: Peri Strathearn.
A support network is helping the current generation of Mid Murray preschoolers get set to start their education.
The network was formed two years ago in response to a national report which found the Mid Murray district had a much higher than average proportion of "developmentally vulnerable" children.
In 2009, the Australian Early Childhood Census report found almost a third of Mid Murray children were lagging in terms of physical health, social competence, emotional maturity, language and thinking, or communication skills and general knowledge.
The figure was 40.6 per cent in 2015, the most recent census, though its precision could be called into question given it was based on just 71 children.
Still, family participation worker Jane Barnett said the trends showed families needed more support.
"There are many stresses on parents when they start a family," she said.
"Most people find it a big adjustment having a baby and (finding) all the things they need to know and do."
She said the Mid Murray Family Connections network could direct parents to playgroups, preschools and other services which existed to reduce the burden on parents, especially those who did not have immediate support handy from friends or family.
Alternatively, it could help point services in the direction of smaller towns or rural communities they might have missed.
"We can also try to connect people to their community, as having a local network can reduce the social isolation that many new parents feel," she said.
"We're social creatures and we need social connections.
"(Parents) need to know there are services out there that can support them."
A detailed action plan for the district will be published in April.
Developmentally vulnerable children made up 22.7pc of the total in Murray Bridge and 22.5pc in Karoonda East Murray and Southern Mallee, both significant decreases from 2012; and 25.9pc in the Coorong, which was about level with the previous result.
The national average was 22pc, a percentage federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham said he hoped to reduce by providing 15 hours per week of preschool for all four-year-olds over the next two years, plus billions of dollars of additional investment in early childhood education and care.
“Like all parents I know that one of my most important responsibilities is to support my children’s development,” he said.
“I want reassurance they are on track physically, socially and cognitively, and if there are gaps, I want to know what I can do to help.”
Contact Mid Murray Family Connections by phoning 8569 0100.
