The Y Broome Early Learning Centre (EL) is partnering with the Marjarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health, University of Notre Dame Australia, to support early childhood development by bringing Occupational Therapy Students into a real-life early learning setting.
Partnering for progress, university students are completing placement at the centre throughout July. They will engage with children in play-based activities designed to support their development across key areas, fitting seamlessly into existing scheduled meals, play, rest, and learning activities.
Y Broome ELC Director Tracy Mathers said, "Many families in regions like Broome face long waiting periods to access critical developmental services. Whilst the students are not there to provide formal assessments, initiatives like this bring timely support into the centre at no extra cost to our families, while also assisting educators to learn skills and strategies for supporting children, right when it matters most, setting them up for success at school and beyond."
The program provides students with the chance to apply their trade whilst learning, and offers a value add to Broome families using the Y's ELC service as it works to assist children to be better prepared for school and everyday life.
The partnership aims to be ongoing, starting with Occupational Therapy students, and potentially progressing with the opportunity for Physiotherapy and Speech Pathology students to also gain practical experience.
The Y Broome Early Learning Centre also offers the successful School ReadY Program, developed by the Y WA, centered around providing educators the resources and coaching they need to make a difference every day by supporting children to develop skills in three fundamental domains - language & literacy, numeracy and social-emotional wellbeing.
Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald said, "Collaborations like this strengthen learning opportunities for both the students and young children in our care. Together, the Marjarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health, University of Notre Dame Australia and the Y WA are nurturing the next generation of allied health professionals while delivering real impact for children, families, and educators."