Nine preschools across New South Wales, including Forbes Preschool, will take part in a new study providing free health and development tests for children before they start school.
The state-wide program is an Australian first, with checks assessing hearing, vision, physical and cognitive development, social and emotional development,communication and skills.
The study will help inform the state-wide rollout of the program and will include different types of tests in different locations.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was leading the nation with a $15.9 billion investment in early childhood commitments including health and development checks for children in preschools.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the study will run from late November 2022 until February 2023.Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the program aims to give more families the support they need if it is discovered their child is not on track to meet key milestones.
“A child’s health and development plays an important part in their school journey and these checks will identify issues early so that action plans and support measures can be put in place early,” said Mr Hazzard.