The first five years of a human being’s life are when the most critical brain development occurs. It is during this period that children develop the foundations for cognitive and social development and lifelong learning success.
Early Learning Matters Week takes place each year, providing the opportunity to celebrate the inspiring and meaningful work undertaken by early childhood educators, teachers, trainers and carers every day. Organised by leading early childhood organisation, Early Childhood Australia, Early Learning Matters Week helps to raise awareness of the importance of early learning for our children and society.
To celebrate Early Learning Matters Week, we asked a few of our trainers to explain why they are passionate about the work they do within the ECEC sector and why early learning matters to them.
ECEC trainers, Catalyst Education
Empowering children to reach their potential
High quality early years education and care contributes to the social, emotional, physical, behavioural and cognitive development of children. The early learning provided through child care services and kindergarten can have a notable positive impact on a child acquiring the skills needed to flourish and enter their formal years of schooling with confidence and readiness. Early childhood education plays a particularly important role for the most vulnerable children in our communities, reducing inequalities in educational outcomes both in the short and long term.
The early childhood sector also delivers vital support to families. Without it, parents and carers of young children may be unable to return to work or struggle to provide for their families.
Early childhood education for growth and development
Early learning also provides children the chance to discover their surroundings and explore the world from a safe place with the comfort and security of caring adults. Early childhood education ensures that all children have access to stimulating and educational experiences, supported by educators who are trained to deliver them.
The play-based approach taken by early childhood providers means children benefit from participating in activities that are engaging and lots of fun, while also fostering skills and creativity that will contribute to their learning for life.
Early learning matters
To get involved in Early Learning Matters Week online, centres can share information to families about the importance of early learning, create a message wall for educators about how they provide high-quality learning, or post messages on social media, to name a few examples. The Early Learning Matters website has ideas for you, and if you do use social media, feel free to include the hashtag #earlylearningmatters.
From the team at Catalyst Education, we say thank you to all those who work in and advocate for ECEC — you are making a difference in the lives and futures of every child every day.