The local Best Start Book Bag program provides a book bag full of early literacy resources to babies and children aged four weeks, eight months, 18 months and three and a half years through their Maternal and Child Health nurse.
This is the seventh year ‘A Cuppa 4 Our Kids’ has been held, with support for the program continuing to grow. Workplaces including primary schools, childcare centres, banks, milk bars and family support agencies are increasingly getting on board. The Early Years Language workgroup hopes to top 30 registrations from last year.
Greater Shepparton City Council Manager Children and Youth Services Sally Rose said the book bag program was an important local program that we should be supporting.
“By providing these book bags we hope to encourage parents and carers to be reading to their children right from birth, and that they understand the importance of early reading and language development.
“Last year over 2,500 book bags were distributed to children through the Greater Shepparton Maternal and Child Health service and local family support services. The bags include a story book, nursery rhyme and activity sheets, parent information booklet and library information.
“Every dollar counts. Whether you are able to raise $10 from your morning tea event or $100, it all goes towards ensuring children receive their four book bags,” said Ms Rose.
The book bag program has been operating for over 12 years and now relies solely on donations from the local community and funding bodies to continue.
If you would like to register your workplace for ‘A Cuppa 4 Our Kids’ and hold a morning tea event during the month of August please contact Rebekah Mackin, Best Start Administration Officer on 03) 5832 9782 or email Rebekah.mackin@shepparton.vic.gov.au for more information and to obtain ‘A Cuppa 4 Our Kids’ information package.
