We know that one in five Australian children are developmentally vulnerable when they start school. This number jumps to two in five for children who do not access early childhood education and care in the years before primary school. When children fall behind in their development of cognitive and social skills early on, this disadvantage can become entrenched later in life.
Kids First has been providing innovative and ground-breaking evidence based early years education and care programs over the last ten years which demonstrate that with the right education and care and wraparound family supports, all children can be ready to engage in school and their families better equipped with the tools to support them.
This is a reform with the potential for a stunning legacy for our community. The early years are getting the attention they deserve, and all kids will benefit.