Early Years
10 December 2025
Early Learning Program
The Early Years strategy focuses on a strong, community-based approach to make sure all students start school well prepared.
About our Program
The Early Learning Program is part of the BHP Pilbara Education Partnership, supporting children and families in Newman, Port Hedland and surrounding communities to ensure children start school confident and ready to learn.
The program provides a welcoming, play-based environment where children develop early language, social skills, independence and confidence. Through a coordinated approach, families are supported to understand developmental milestones and connect with specialist services when needed, helping to identify and address learning or developmental needs early.
By strengthening partnerships between families, schools and community services, the program supports smooth transitions into Kindergarten and builds strong foundations for lifelong learning.
BHP Early Learning Program in the Pilbara has been established on-site at the following primary schools across the region:
The Early Learning Program is also available online through the Port Hedland School of the Air.
Our program supports children aged 0 to 4 years to:
- build confidence, social skills and independence
- develop early literacy and communication skills
- learn through play and exploration
- become familiar with school routines
- access early support when needed
Together, we are helping every child in the Pilbara start school well prepared and ready to succeed.
Our Objectives
Educate parents and caregivers about childhood milestones and supporting their children to further develop these.
Improve the level of early intervention and provide support to children who are recognised as developmentally vulnerable.
Increase the frequency and depth of developmental assessments of children in the early years.
Increase parent and caregiver awareness of developmental services available to their children and increase the participation of those services.
Increase participation rates in early learning programs and children’s readiness for school.
Enhance the personal, social, and academic achievements of young children using the Abecedarian Approach, also known as 3a.
To find out more about the program and how you can support your child in their learning, families are encouraged to attend an Early Learning Program at their local school.
Parent/Caregiver Feedback
We asked parents and caregivers why you choose to attend the Early Learning Program or what your favourite aspect of the ELP is?
Our 3a Approach
The ‘3a approach’, also known as the Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a), is a set of evidence-based teaching and learning strategies for early childhood educators and parents to enhance children’s development and learning from birth to five years.
It focuses on enriching interactions, particularly through conversational reading and enriched caregiving, to support cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Benefits of the 3a Abecedarian Approach
For Children
- Early intervention supports stronger learning outcomes later in life.
- Builds positive connections with local primary schools and supports future attendance.
- Develops trust through safe, supportive relationships with educators.
- Supports a smooth transition to formal schooling.
- Encourages healthy behaviour and lifelong learning habits.
- Promotes participation and engagement in education.
- Long-term research shows links to improved health outcomes, including lower rates of cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity.
For Parents & Caregivers
- Strengthens positive parent–child interactions.
- Builds parents’ skills, confidence, and understanding of child development.
- Encourages parents and caregivers to become strong role models within their communities.
For the Wider Community
- Designed to be practical and effective in rural and remote communities.
- Supports positive long-term social and community wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the program held and how can I find session times and updates?
The program runs during the school terms. Session times and updates are shared through school communications, newsletters, and the ELP Facebook page.
Do I need to register and stay with my child?
Yes. Each child must be registered before attending, and parents or caregivers are required to stay and participate during sessions.
What happens at each session and do I need to sign in?
Sessions include play-based learning, story time, social play, and tips to support learning at home. Please sign your child in on the attendance register at the start of each session.
Does the Early Learning Program follow a curriculum?
Yes. The program follows the Early Years Learning Framework, Australia’s national guide for early childhood learning, and teachers use the 3a Abecedarian Approach to support teaching and learning.
What qualifications do your ELP Coordinators hold?
All sessions are led by qualified Department of Education teachers. ELP Coordinators hold, or are working towards certification in, the 3a Abecedarian Approach.
Who do I contact for more information?
Please contact the Early Years Strategy Coordinator at tiffany.sloot@education.wa.edu.au
Program Highlights
