THE Minns Government has expanded the grants program this year for free health and development checks for preschoolers.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said a total of 65 preschools and long day care centres in the Northern New South Wales Local Health District will receive grants up of up $7,500 each.
There are two categories of Health and Development Participation Grants -$1500 for staffing to support participation in the program and $6000 for resources and upskilling educators to support children’s health and development.
Since Labor introduced the program in 2023 it has provided free checks for more than 30,000 preschoolers across the state.
The program is a joint initiative of the NSW Department of Education and NSW Health and includes assessment of :
- Physical growth, oral health and speech
- Social and behavioural abilities
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Learning, thinking and problem-solving skills.
‘Families want the best start for their kids and these checks can provide vital information about their pre-schooler’s development in the year before they start school,” Ms Saffin said.
“This is about supporting children in NSW to get the best start in life and learning no matter their background or postcode.
