Free healthchecks rolled out in preschools

More children will receive free health and development checks with the NSW Government announcing $7.2 million for 881 early childhood education and care services across NSW. The NSW Government opt-in Health and Development Checks in Early Childhood and Care program supports health professionals to visit early childhood education and care services to conduct the checks for four-year-olds to help identify additional support the children may need before school. More than 7,000 children have received a free health and development check in their early childhood education and care service since the program began in 2023. The checks assess various aspects of the child development, including problem solving skills, listening, talking and, social skills. Physical growth and dental health will also be monitored. Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the program could ensure more children access comprehensive health care, “regardless of their family’s postcode, income or circumstances.” “Health and development checks provide families with valuable information about their child’s growth and development,” she said. “Offering the free checks at early childhood education and care services makes it easier for working families to participate and ensures there is early intervention for students who need it.” Eligible services received up to $7,500 to support staffing, private space to conduct health checks, with follow-ups to bring children closer to health and development goals. The checks offered through early childhood education and care services will provide families with a free alternative to visiting a doctor or Child and Family Health service. Nearly half, 44 per cent, of NSW children are not developmentally on track when they start school, according to the most recent Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data. Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said more needed to be done to support better health outcomes for children across New South Wales. “Starting school is an exciting time, but with two in five children starting school developmentally off track we need to do more to support young children and their families,” he said. “Providing health and development checks for four-year-olds in preschools or long day care centres makes it far more convenient for busy families to help their children have the best start to school.” All preschools and long day care services can participate in the Health and Development Checks in Early Childhood Education and Care program by contacting their local health district.