Better access to three-year-old kindergarten
*The benefits of the government’s new funding for three-year-old kindergarten programs – starting in 2020 in six council areas across Victoria
*Neurological benefits of early childhood education
*How earlier/more time in early childhood education will help with early identification and support for children with learning issues
Ms Leanne Grogan, Lecturer, Early Childhood Education
l.grogan@latrobe.edu.au, mobile: 03 5444 7527
School starting age
*The important factors to consider when deciding when children should start school
*Pros and cons of early and late school starting age
Dr Catherine Hamm, Senior Lecturer in Education
c.hamm@latrobe.edu.au, mobile: 0408 968 756
Teaching children to read/speak
*Critical importance of early literacy development, and how to achieve best results
*How the teaching-to-read approaches currently used in most schools are detrimental to students
*Links between illiterate young people and anxiety/depression/contact with juvenile justice system
*Importance of developing strong oral language skills in early childhood
Professor Pamela Snow, Head, Rural Health School
p.snow@latrobe.edu.au, mobile: 0458 377 253
Choosing a university course
*Importance of ATARs
*Factors that young people weigh up when making course decisions
Dr Sara James, Senior Lecturer, Sociology
s.james@latrobe.edu.au, phone 9479 2993
Education policy
*Teacher education
*Shortage of secondary teachers in rural and regional areas
*Education policy
Associate Professor Joanna Barbousas, Head, Department of Education
j.barbousas@latrobe.edu.au, mobile: 0416 289 040
Inclusive education
*Educating students with a disability
*Developing inclusive communities and schools
*Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Professor Teresa Iacono, Researcher, Education
t.iacono@latrobe.edu.au, mobile: 0407 363 653
Media contact: Kate O’Connor – k.o’connor@latrobe.edu.au – 5444 7415 / 0436 189 629
