pdf [5.3MB] - Department of Families, Housing, Community Services

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected across the five projects working under theHub strategy and some of the findings were as followed (AIFS, 2009a): Improved language and literacy: Between 2005 and 2006, results for the sixtargeted suburbs showed improved numbers of children in Prep who had accessedpre-school or child care, and a 9.5% reduction in children’s development vulnerability intwo or more domains. Meadow Fair North Primary School saw an improvement in thenumber of children starting school that had a pre-school experience, from 53% in 2005to 86% in 2006. Key outcomes for children were development of listening, social andengagement skills, and for parents, outcomes were reported to be improvedinteractions with children. Established/strengthened community hubs: It was reported that services workedtogether to share expertise and develop new ways of engaging families throughinformal activities such as playgroups, family fun days, and transition to schoolprograms. Increased awareness of where to go for help with children: It was reported thatfamilies experienced increased social connectedness due to hub involvement. Parentsalso reported opportunities for connection such as social meetings outside of organisedactivities.Child Care Info ConnectThis was a CfC project started in March 2006 as a parent education and support programoperating within childcare centres in the Broadmeadows area in Melbourne. The projectencompassed information provision on topics relevant to families in the community throughparent information sessions and written material distribution translated into communitylanguages.The overall program outcomes were listed as (AIFS, 2009b): enhanced parent knowledge in the areas of school readiness indicators and positivebehaviour guidance strategies; increased parental awareness of early childhood education; improved communication between parents and child care staff; and greater confidence amongst child care staff to offer parent educationOne of the project’s objectives was to promote positive parent–child interactions andimproved child health and development.The project was underpinned by research that parents seek information from people withwhom they already have relationships, such as childcare workers. Additionally, researchindicated that programs involving parents or other caregivers of young children can improveoutcomes in terms of children’s behaviour, learning and health in later life (McCain andMustard, 1999, as cited by AIFS, 2009b).The approach used by the project promoted relationship building between primary caregiversthrough joint participation at information sessions, due to research on parenting practice onthe importance of connections between parents and a support network as critical protectivefactors (Ospfsky and Thompson, cited by AIFS, 2009b).Over the period of the project from 2006-07, 13 information sessions werecare centres, with a total of 114 parents and 80 childcare staff attending.held at six child67