Aboriginal Early Years Program

Supporting Early Childhood Education
Pathfinders Aboriginal Early Years (AEY) Program is a service to provide Aboriginal children between the ages of 2 and 6 years with access to quality preschool and school education. Our goal is to make the transition to school as successful as possible for the child and their family.
The role of our AEY facilitators is to support the child and their family on their educational journey and to ensure that their educational experience is a positive one. The facilitator will be available in an ongoing capacity after the child has entered preschool or school to respond to any concerns or issues.
Our emphasis is to get the children into a formal structured Early Childhood setting, with emphasis on children attending either Preschool or Long Day Care. If needed our facilitators can work on a one-on-one basis with the child and their family to make the transition into the Early Childhood system fun with minimal issues.
There are three Facilitators who are geographically responsible for the following areas
Inverell – Inverell, Ashford and Tingha
Armidale – Armidale, Walcha and Uralla
Western – Gunnedah, Quirindi, Narrabri and Wee Waa
The Aboriginal Early Years Program also offers the following:
- Finds preschool and school placements.
- Assists with filling in the enrollment paperwork.
- Supports child and family with the transition from pre-school to school.
- Increases the number of days per week the child attends preschool.
Assists with referrals and linking to other services as needed. These may include services both within the Pathfinders organisation and other External Agencies.

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Program Contacts
AEYP Armidale
215 Beardy Street,
Armidale 2350
Locations: Armidale, Walcha, Uralla
Facilitator: Merle Olsen
Phone: 02 5775 9800
Email: merleo@pathfinders.ngo
AEYP Inverell
3 Glen Innes Road,
Inverell 2360
Locations: Inverell, Ashford, Tingha
Facilitator: Bernice McGrady
Phone: 0438 421 854
Email: bernicem@pathfinders.ngo