International and Australian research and early childhood
literature provides substantial evidence that the relationships,
experiences and environments a child is exposed to in their first
years of life are intrinsic to their health, development, education
and social well being throughout life. Brain research shows that
the early years of development from conception to age six,
particularly the first three years, provide the basis for the
development of competence, coping and emotional skills that affect
lifelong learning, behaviour and health. There is growing evidence
that good nutrition, nurturing and responsive caregiving in the
early years combined with high quality early childhood development
programs can improve these long term outcomes for children.