Abstract

The Linking Education and Families Program: An Effective Framework to Support the Healthy Development of Children Aged 0-4

Author(s)

Carmen Gregg -Investing In Our Youth Inc

Ms Fiona Farren -South Bunbury Primary School

Prof Rhonda Oliver -Edith Cowan University

The Linking Education and Families (LEAF) program is an evidence-based program that meets current best practice recommendations for early child development and parent support programs. The program provides a mechanism by which schools can make contact with families with young children before they attend Kindergarten. This increases supports made available to families and positively impacts on vulnerable children who receive early intervention services where required.

The program promotes school, family and community links and enables a range of interagency partnerships. The LEAF program has been extremely well received by teachers, parents and children. The program reduces anxiety about the transition to school; promotes positive social development in children; positively influences the home learning environment; increases use of services designed to support child and family development; facilitates early intervention for a range of issues including speech, hearing, behavioural problems and delayed development; increases opportunities for parent support; and provides opportunities to promote the importance of the early years.

Key elements of the program include: 1) staff development to prepare Kindergarten Teachers for their role as LEAF Program Coordinators; 2) Program Coordinators visit families of newly enrolled Kindergarten students; 3) Program Coordinators organise Play Cafes (at the Kindergarten) for families with children aged 0-4. T

he program is founded on the philosophy and principles of the 'partnership approach' (Olds, 2002) 'a model that proposes that resources must be offered in skilled, empowering and respectful ways in order to ensure that parents are supported in their role and not disempowered by professional intervention.

Program evaluations show that the LEAF program achieves all stated objectives and provides a framework for giving each child the best possible start to their education.