Applications are now open for the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program which engages preschoolers with languages other than English through a series of fun, play-based apps.

NT Senator Nigel Scullion is encouraging preschools in Katherine to  introduce children to a new language in 2018.

“I urge eligible services in the Northern Territory to get their application in as soon as possible to give our local preschoolers a head start in language learning and spark their interest in other cultures,” Senator Scullion said.

Next year preschools will be able to select from languages including Arabic, Mandarin, French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese and Spanish, Hindi and Modern Greek.

“The Coalition Government is also providing 1000 grants of $500 to assist with the purchase of tablet devices and accessories to help preschools take part in the program,” Senator Scullion said. 

Education and Training minister Simon Birmingham said independent reports show the program was successfully engaging children with language learning and raising awareness of other cultures.

“We had an incredible response in the first year of the nationwide roll-out of the program, with over 1800 preschool services and more than 60,000 children across Australia participating in learning different languages,” Mr Birmingham said. 

“By providing the opportunity for preschoolers to undertake language learning, they're not only getting exposure to a second language, but they're also improving their developmental and cognitive capabilities as well.”

The program is designed for use by educators who do not have formal language training, with extensive support provided through a suite of resources, including training support and apps for educators and families to assist in the effective delivery of the program. 

Applications close on December 15. For more information and to submit an application head here.