Yurauna Early Childhood Centre is 'Exceeding' expectations

Last year, the Yurauna Early Childhood Centre (YECC) received an "Exceeding" rating, the highest possible, in all seven quality areas of the National Quality Standards under the Assessment and Ratings process of the National Quality Framework.

CIT Yurauna has a long history of working to remove barriers and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including the youngest members of the community. YECC provides high-quality, culturally-safe and community-focused early childhood education to children up to five years of age while their parents, or guardians study at CIT Yurauna.

CIT Yurauna sub-contracts Northside Community Service (NCS) to operate the centre. Their joined efforts support children and families providing free access to quality and culturally-aware childcare. YECC is funded by the ACT Government.

CIT Yurauna Director Caroline Hughes said this collaboration "Offers the opportunity to remove a critical barrier to access education as adults. These types of partnerships help save lives."

The effectiveness of the partnership in helping to 'close the gap' was also recognised in 2019 as a finalist in the Indigenous category at the Banksia Sustainability Awards. Through wrap-around support CIT Yurauna students build their skills and trust their children are learning in a culturally-safe environment. The achievements of this partnership address structural inequalities that have systemically disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Learn more about YECC on this ABC News story.