Providing inclusive, educational and supportive programs for all children is a key priority for the Y which operates a number of early learning centres and kindergartens throughout Whittlesea.
The profit-for-purpose organisation, which is also a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, has worked in both early learning and the disability sectors for over 25 years including 1:1 support, camps and NDIS support coordination.
Within it’s early learning centres, the Y provides an Early Years Engagement Support (EYES) program to assist children and their families, who may be eligible to receive early intervention or NDIS support into the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“Early intervention for young children provides numerous benefits that can have a lasting impact on their overall development and learning outcomes. By identifying and addressing potential challenges early on, children are given the necessary support to thrive and reach their full potential.” said Y Whittlesea CEO Michele Rowse.
Early intervention is a proactive approach aimed at identifying and addressing these challenges as early as possible, typically during the early childhood years. It helps to improve the child’s learning outcomes, enhance social skills, identify and address learning gaps, assist with better emotional regulation and in turn provide a smooth transition into a primary school environment.
“It was really important for us as experts in the early learning and disability sectors to utilise the knowledge and skills we have to assist our families and help develop and support children by providing them with the best possible opportunities,” early childhood and family inclusion support coordinator Funda Aygun explains.
In partnership with families, educators and agencies, the Y’s inclusion support staff provide a holistic approach to education and care for each child and deliver tailored inclusion support plans. They guide educators and families with strategies for the best interest of the child’s individual needs and help create environments that foster inclusion, creativity and learning for all.
Y Whittlesea’s Early Learning Centres provide education and care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age with long day-care and 3 and 4 year-old kindergarten programs.
To find the closes Y Early Learning centre to you and book a tour visit childrensprograms.whittlesea.ymca.org.au
