Language apps programme now open to preschools in Wide Bay
19th February, 2016
The Federal Coalition Government’s play-based Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) programme will help preschoolers in Wide Bay to learn a language other than English.
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss has invited preschool services which have previously expressed interest in the programme to formally apply for ELLA by 4 March.
“Preschool providers that have expressed interest in the first ELLA trial have until 4 March to lodge an application to be part of the next round of the programme, which will focus on Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, French or Arabic languages,” Mr Truss said.
“This programme is a good opportunity to increase the familiarity of young children with a language other than English. There was some strong interest shown by local services last year, and I encourage those providers to participate again this year.”
In order to be eligible, children must participate in the year before full time school and be taught by a qualified early childhood teacher.
“While preschools will need to provide their own devices and meet their own internet costs, the Government will do the rest,” Mr Truss said.
Preschools that applied under the 2015 round, but were not selected can now apply for the 2016 round.
For a copy of the ELLA guidelines and to formalise participation in the ELLA trial visit the website www.education.gov.au/news/early-learning-languages-australia-ella-programme-expressions-interest-now-open.
