Check out the (NEW) resource links at the bottom of the page supporting Canberra families.
Download the 'Factors that support children's wellbeing, development and learning' poster here.
Factors that support children's wellbeing, development and learning.
(Reference: Australian Early Development Census. An Australian Government Initiative)
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Family |
Community |
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Physical Health & Wellbeing
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- Nourishment, warmth and shelter
- Opportunities to practice fine and gross motor skills
- Supportive environments that foster physical independence
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- Social support structures for families facing hardship
- Accessible and welcoming areas for children and families to engage in outdoor play
- Accessible health services
- Food security
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Social Competence
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- Opportunities to interact with adults and peers
- Opportunities to play
- Consistency and support – set boundaries and limits while also understanding and celebrating children’s emerging autonomy
- Story reading and play
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- Supports in ECEC services for children who are not coping with the demands of the learning and social environment
- Accessible, high quality early childhood education and care services or playgroups
- Opportunities to interact regularly with peers and develop friendships
- Opportunities for children to engage in free play with peers
- Support parents in their parenting
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Emotional Maturity
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- Supportive adult interactions in the early years while learning to regulate emotions
- Opportunities to practice emotion regulation across settings and situations
- Supportive adult interactions in the early years while learning to persevere when challenged
- Adults who provide new information when children are calm and focused
- Adults who respond to children’s emotions respectfully and empathetically
- Opportunities for play
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- Supports for children who have experienced trauma
- Trained educators who are able to support children who have experienced trauma
- Opportunities for play (e.g. playgroups)
- Opportunities for parents to develop skills and capabilities that will empower them to support their children’s emotional development
- Low cost or no cost parenting supports for families facing hardship
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Language and Cognitive Skills
(school-based)
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- Opportunities to practice memory, problem solving skills, and creative thinking
- Exposure to reading and numerical concepts
- Create learning opportunities in routine activities and play
- Language rich early environments that encourage children to talk and share what they know
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- Access to quality early childhood services (e.g. preschool and playgroup)
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Communication Skills and General Knowledge
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- Opportunities for listening and talking
- Imaginative play
- Story telling
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- Accessibility of high quality early learning environments (e.g. playgroups, library programs, child and parent centres)
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Reference: Australian Early Development Census. An Australian Government Initiative.
Other Resources for Parents & Carers
A Village For Every Child's has recently developed some very practical resources to support Canberra families.
- Child Development Poster - a poster for parents about developmental milestones and development checks referring to the Blue Book.
- Family Journey Mapping - local pathways to support parents and their child. Do you have a child development, disability or health concern?
EACH- Early Childhood Approach: Resources for Families and Communities.
We have also developed a Directory of free or low-cost activities that Canberra families can explore. View all our Directories here.
