Our shared passion for early childhood
Every child is born with their own potential. 100 billion brain cells, waiting for connections to be formed, pathways to be explored, futures to be discovered.
Every one of these children is incredibly strong, but at the same time – so vulnerable. Because as research shows, 90% of brain development occurs by the time a child is 5. Without the right start – everyday positive experiences with family members, community and other children and adults that support strong brain development – it is much harder for them to catch up later.
We know that some children get much more support than others in building strong brains and bodies. And those that need extra help don’t always get it.
That’s why the Office for Early Childhood Development was created, to champion change and develop a system that gives all South Australian children the best possible start. We’re committed to reducing the rate of childhood developmental vulnerability, to create better lives for young South Australians and their families.
We do this by bringing together a holistic, connected system for early childhood, with the child at the centre. A key part of this is the introduction of universal, high-quality 3-year-old preschool and increased hours of preschool for children at risk of developmental vulnerability, as well as working to ensure quality improves across the sector.
But it goes beyond that, to include better connecting and strengthening a range of services for children and families.
All of this will only be possible by pulling together. We recognise that we are stronger through partnership, by harnessing diverse perspectives, listening to and learning from experts in the field, and connecting parents, carers and communities with what they need to help their children thrive. That’s why we actively collaborate with educators, preschools, long day care centres, schools, childhood specialists and families to create a better way forward.
We approach this work with respect for children themselves, their families, and everyone who works with them, regardless of role.
Reform on this scale is hard. We will have challenges along the way. All of us will need to learn new things, do new things, build new relationships. Some of our ideas won’t work. But some will work better than we ever dreamed. And through it all, we will support each other to adapt and keep moving forward.
At the Office for Early Childhood Development, we know we are working towards a once-in-a-generation reform, one with huge opportunity and potential.
Because what we change now, will change lives forever.
What we believe in
We are excited about creating a better system to support children’s development. This will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. The positive impact we can make on the lives of children and their families is too important.
We are stronger as a team. It is only by pulling together that we can make real change in children’s lives. We create partnerships with parents and communities, early childhood professionals and providers, researchers, peak bodies and unions, other agencies and governments. We respect and support Aboriginal leadership and self-determination.
By deeply listening and learning from the best, we can go further, faster. Collectively, we need to learn from the research, from Aboriginal ways of being, doing and wise practice from services making the biggest positive impacts, and from children and families about what works for them. We help best practice to spread and embed.
Children, families, communities, and people who dedicate themselves to supporting early childhood development – whatever their role – deserve our respect. Even when we are challenging each other and sharing our different views, we show that respect and a spirit of kindness towards each other.