SP 2030 Report

Leading the way...

First 5 Forever, State Library of Queensland

providers with the aim of embedding language and literacy development into all children’s programs and linking families to existing community resources to prevent duplication. First 5 Forever hopes to demonstrate the role of speech pathologists in universal programs and inspire the development of similar initiatives across the country. A lasting legacy would be a system where services work together to plan and respond to what benefits families, with parents receiving timely and realistic information from multiple sources around the importance of shared reading, singing, talking with and playing with their children from birth.

libraries and centrally coordinated by the team at State Library of Queensland. State Library of Queensland employs a consultant speech pathologist as a key contributor to the initiative, recognising the profession’s rich understanding of language and emergent literacy in both the home and community. Bringing speech pathology knowledge to a universal platform is a key outcome of the role.

First 5 Forever is a universal family literacy initiative with the aim of providing strong emergent literacy foundations and life-long learning capabilities for all Queensland children under 5. First 5 Forever draws on the latest neuroscience and early childhood development research in identifying the urgent need to create a positive cultural shift and more confidence in learning and literacy in our communities; enabling parents and caregivers to better understand their role, and what they can do to support their children by encouraging everyday play, shared reading, learning, and language rich interaction and environments at home. First 5 Forever is delivered in partnership with Queensland public

Libraries are already significant providers of children’s services. Through the inclusion of speech pathology in First 5 Forever,

Queensland libraries are exploring new opportunities for language and literacy development both within libraries and through community service

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Speech Pathology 2030 - making futures happen