What's new
How did the project come about?
The Department of Sport and Recreation developed an early childhood program to provide childcare workers with training to provide gross motor skills (GMS) development for children in the 3–6 year age group.
Developing gross motor skills is beneficial because:
- GMS help promote lifelong experiences in physical activity
- Studies have shown a decline in the level of competence of GMS among school-aged children (1997 SPAN survey)
- Children’s GMS develop between the ages of two and seven, so early childhood centres are an important setting for development in this area.
Project overview
A two-pronged approach was adopted which included training at Community Health Centres and childcare centres. Childcare worker training and development was undertaken through partnerships with Illawarra Children Services and NSW Health. Training involved presentations and workshops. Riverwood Child Care Centre then ran two six-week programs with 60 young children.
What worked well?
Preliminary results from the pilot program indicate there is increased knowledge of enhancing and developing children’s GMS at childcare centres. Other observations included a marked improvement in ball skills of some students, particularly in girls from a multicultural background.
What would be done differently?
Information sessions for playgroups (parent and child groups) could be undertaken to increase awareness of the need for GMS development.
Where to now?
A training delivery package is currently being developed by NSW Health, the Department of Community Services (DoCS) and the Department of Sport and Recreation. Franchises and councils that have appropriate funding for training and development of staff may also be targeted to implement the program in the future.
Summary
It is advisable to conduct this program with support of appropriate partners, including childcare industry bodies, DoCS and Area Health Services.
