Imagination Library approved for School Readiness Funding
As of next month, hundreds more kindergarten children will start receiving Imagination Library books thanks to a new funding initiative by the Victorian Government. The School Readiness funding has been designed to help children to get the most out of their early learning, allowing kindergartens to access a range of evidence-based interventions to help build children’s learning and development across three priority areas:
The links between early shared reading and school readiness are clear. That’s why we need to focus on getting more books into the hands of children before they start school.
Clayton Noble, CEO, United Way
- Access and Inclusion
We’re pleased to report that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been approved for funding, being recognised as program that’s proven to deliver strong Communications outcomes. This means kindergartens can opt to have Imagination Library books and resources funded for their students under the initiative.
Along with the other initiatives eligible to receive funding, the Imagination Library has been externally validated, and found to be an effective program for improving early language and literacy skills. In addition, evaluations have shown that the Imagination Library also helps children to build their general knowledge, confidence, and sense of identity – all of which are critical for children starting school ready to thrive.
So far more than 10 kindergartens have signed up to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, with more expected to come on board in the next few months. We’re grateful for both the recognition of the program’s benefits (thanks in no small part to the outcomes achieved by our early learning partnership in the City of Casey), and for the opportunity to bring books and learning to more children in this critical stage of their development.
To see what a life-changing difference monthly books and regular reading tips can make, read Evan’s story.
To find out more about how kindergartens can access Imagination Library books and resources, contact Imagination Library Operations Manager Sandy Jones.