STEM program sets Preschoolers up for jobs of the future

26 March 2018

STEM program sets Preschoolers up for jobs of the future

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, has announced Australian Government funding to boost science and maths skills for pre-schoolers. 

The Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) project is a new $6 million pilot from the Coalition Government, developed by the University of Canberra, and will help pre-schoolers develop problem-solving skills to set them up for life.

Mr O’Brien welcomed the news that the Village Kids Childrens Centre in Maryborough will participate in the pilot project.

“There is no doubt that children who explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at an early age through age-appropriate play and experiments, will give them a headstart in life,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Children are naturally inquisitive and questioning and love to explore the world around them.   I believe ELSA’s STEM program will encourage and develop this curiosity into a lifelong interest and grow their capacity to cope in our ever-expanding digital world.”

Federal Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said 4,000 children across 100 preschools will learn STEM skills through the ELSA program.

“The ELSA program is an easy-to-use teaching resource that introduces our youngest learners to STEM in fun and engaging ways.

“It will complement the skills and experiences of teachers at preschool and of families at home.”

ELSA is one of three early learning initiatives funded under the Coalition Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA) and follows the Little Scientists program delivered by Frobel Australia Limited and The Smith Family’s Let’s Count program. 

For further information about the ELSA pilot, including the list of 100 participating preschool services, visit www.elsa.edu.au.