The Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, has launched a new collection of early childhood learning resources, produced by Early Childhood Australia and a specialist education team.

Download the early childhood learning resources from the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training website.

Early learning resources

The new literacy and numeracy resources—produced by Early Childhood Australia in collaboration with Monash University, The University of Melbourne and Curriculum Corporation for the Federal Government—include:

• Early Childhood Literacy and Numeracy Cards, designed for use by families, carers and educators to enhance young children's literacy and numeracy development
• Building good practice, a book for use by professional practitioners in preschools and childcare centres
• a DVD for professionals running early childhood education and care courses.

Value of resources

In her speech at the launch of the new learning resources, Minister Bishop said:

'The early years are critical to developing foundation literacy and numeracy skills. They make children's transition to school easier, and also have a direct and positive impact on future educational, employment and health outcomes.'

'These innovative resource materials ... reflect good practice and will help parents, carers, preschool and childcare professionals create stimulating environments for children.'

Download the early childhood learning resources from the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training website.

Read the Minister for Education, Science and Training's 'Early childhood resources to support literacy and numeracy'.

Related reading

View these related news items on the Early Childhood Australia website:

• December 2006 - Launch of new research into early learning
• March 2006 - Awards for outstanding contribution to improving literacy and/or numeracy
• Nov 2005 - Draft policy for early childhood mathematics.