One quarter of Australian kids are 'developmentally vulnerable' when they start school
We know the first five years are a crucial time in a child's life. Early experiences, such as family relationships or exposure to trauma, shape brain architecture, which lays the foundation for children's learning, behavior and health.
A recent study reveals that nearly one quarter of Australian children entering school are considered "developmentally vulnerable," lacking essential skills for learning and social interactions. This alarming statistic underscores the need for early intervention. Intensive, high-quality childcare programs can help children catch up to their peers by addressing their complex needs.
The program, run in Victoria and Queensland childcare centers, provides five hours of daily, five-day-a-week learning for three years, plus wraparound family support. Children receive nutritious meals, individualized learning, and a stable, safe environment. The program's effectiveness is evident in a 2022 randomized controlled trial, which showed significant improvements in resilience, self-regulation, language development, and IQ scores.
As the children grow, ongoing research will continue to assess the long-term benefits of this targeted intervention, highlighting the critical role of early education in shaping children's futures.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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