Kindy Uplift contributes to the department's commitment to
Closing the Gap. The first Kindy Uplift priority, 'creating culturally safe, inclusive and responsive kindergarten programs', focuses on the inclusion of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. Kindy Uplift supports kindergartens to create culturally safe, inclusive and responsive kindergarten programs.
Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through Kindy Uplift, should be data-informed and responsive to the needs of the current kindergarten cohort. The Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 supports children's engagement in reconciliation, respect and recognition of the world's oldest continuous living culture and alignment with the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration.
Hear from professionals and cultural advisors about cultural representation, fostering connections and creating culturally safe, inclusive and responsive kindergarten programs.
In the
embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives by choosing authentic cultural resources video, cultural advisors emphasise that it's about more than just displaying cultural artifacts; it's about knowing their stories and significance, and fostering understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
It's important to acknowledge that resources purchased with Kindy Uplift funding should build on the professional learning undertaken by teachers and educators to support and enhance the learning experiences of kindergarten children.