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Funding for young kids 'long overdue': expert

Author
Rosie Gordon,
Publish Date
Mon, 14 May 2018, 5:26AM
The Government has announced extra funding for young children. (Photo / 123RF)
The Government has announced extra funding for young children. (Photo / 123RF)

Funding for young kids 'long overdue': expert

Author
Rosie Gordon,
Publish Date
Mon, 14 May 2018, 5:26AM

A child psychologist says a boost for young children with learning and behavioural needs should have happened a long time ago.

The Government has announced $21.5 million will be spent over four years to help thousands of children.

A bulk of the money is set to be spent on experts like psychologists and speech therapists.

Psychologist Sara Chatwin says she has come across a lot of kids who would have been much better off if they'd had help well before starting school.

"If they had received help the issues that they present with when they're going to school or starting school perhaps wouldn't have been so significant. It's heartbreaking," she said.

Chatwin says she has seen too many kids end up at school without any intervention.

"Parents lack the skills to actually identify when their children need help. Children have not had their basic needs met. It becomes very clear when a child starts school."

 

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