Chloe Spratt and Amanda Flemming, proud First Nations women, are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. They serve as Early Years Engagement Officers at the ACT Government’s Child and Family Centres, where they undertake various roles.
Their primary responsibility involves engaging with parents regarding their children’s education, starting with the Koori Preschool initiative. Koori Preschool offers a culturally safe learning program to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 3 to 5 years, emphasizing play-based activities.
Chloe and Amanda regularly visit Canberra’s five Koori Preschools to interact with families and staff. They establish connections with parents and caregivers during drop-off and pick-up times, offering support and assistance as needed. School personnel also collaborate with Chloe and Amanda, seeking consent from families to discuss any concerns and accessing relevant services like the Child and Family Centres or Child Development Service.
Their commitment is focused on ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have a positive school experience. Chloe expressed her passion for supporting community children through the Koori Preschool program, highlighting her four years of dedicated service as an Early Years Engagement Officer.
Both officers tirelessly empower families to actively participate in their child’s learning journey, contributing to the success of the Koori Preschool initiative. Over the past five years, enrolments have risen by 26%, and school readiness among First Nations preschoolers has notably improved. The previous year’s budget funded an additional 100 places at Koori Preschool, reflecting the program’s positive impact.
Chloe and Amanda view their work as more than just a job; it’s a calling. Their dedication underscores the importance of advocacy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early childhood development. Amanda expressed her satisfaction in being a cultural connection for families, fostering a sense of belonging and safety within the community.
In her role, she enjoys witnessing children’s growth and development, particularly when they engage in early interventions through the child development programs. The joy of interacting with children, such as when they eagerly invite her to play or join them in learning activities, is a rewarding aspect of her work.
Koori Preschools, operating at five school sites in Canberra, align their curriculum with the Early Years Learning Framework, emphasizing holistic development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.