Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is encouraging interested local preschools to nominate for a place in the 2015 Early Learning Languages Australia trial.

Expressions of interest close cob next Monday 29 September for the $9.8 million trial at up to 40 preschools nationwide.

“The online application is quick and easy to complete. This is a fun and economical way for our children to become interested in a second language early on in their education journey,” Mr Taylor said.

“It’s also a great way for us to promote inclusive communities here in Hume. About one in five Australians speaks a language other than English at home.”

Proposed languages for the trial include Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Indonesian, French and Arabic.

The Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) trial involves study through online foreign language software in preschools, via play-based apps on tablet devices and will be open to all preschools with a standard internet connection.

“This will particularly benefit communities in Hume where technology is helping families in the bush get the same access to high-quality early education as their city counterparts,” Mr Taylor said.

Early childhood service providers have until 5pm (AEST) next Monday 29 September 2014 to register via the official website:- http://education.gov.au/early-learning-languages-australia