New 18-Month Child Health Check Supports Early Learning for Tasmanian Families
23 Jun 2026
Tasmania Department of Health has introduced a universal 18-month child health assessment called “Kids Love to Learn,” which is now being delivered across the state.
The program is provided through the state’s Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS) by child health nurses and has already completed more than 2,000 assessments in its first year.
Each “Kids Love to Learn” appointment is a 60-minute session offered to every child around 18 months of age. The focus is on early literacy development, with families given a nursery rhyme book and guidance on how to support language and learning skills at home.
The assessment also allows parents to discuss any concerns about their child’s development, including growth, behaviour, and early learning milestones, with trained child health professionals.
This new 18-month check builds on existing CHaPS visits, which already occur at multiple stages including two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, six months, 12 months, two years, and four years of age.
The initiative aims to strengthen early childhood development support and encourage families to engage early with health services where needed.
New 18-Month Child Health Check Supports Early Learning for Tasmanian Families
Source: Tasmania Department of Health – Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS)