Why early childhood development matters

Ninety percent of brain development occurs by the time a child is 5 years old. Without the right start, it is much harder for them to catch up later.

Frequent, high-quality positive experiences with trusted adults build strong neural connections in children’s brains.

This includes enhancing the brain’s ability to help us regulate our impulses, make plans, and achieve goals. The Harvard Centre for the Developing Child says that “providing the support that children need to build these skills at home, in early care and education programs, and in other settings they experience regularly is one of society’s most important responsibilities”.

Our vision for South Australian families

A great early childhood experience helps with building language and concepts, making friends and treating others well, our physical health and skills, and enhancing a strong sense of culture and belonging.

Over the next decade, we will purposefully build an innovative early childhood development system that puts children and families first, where:

• You and your child are seen and known through trusted relationships with quality early childhood education and care providers that see the whole child.
• We reach you where you are, through services embedded within and connected to the early childhood education and care sector, with preschool at its centre.
• You have flexibility with services meeting the practical needs of you and your child's everyday lives.