Find more information about the study in the PDF below.
A Good Start in Life for Young Children

Early childhood is an important period of time for child development. A number of studies have examined the positive impact of engagement with early childhood services on school readiness, school achievement, developmental vulnerabilities, and academic performance in adolescence.
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) is an initiative by the Australian Government to improve Australia’s health. The University of Canberra’s Health Research Institute received an MRFF grant for research into early childhood services and childhood development. The project will focus on improving the delivery of local early childhood services to address the needs of the community.
The project aims to reduce the proportion of children who are developmentally vulnerable in the Belconnen district through multi-sectoral service integration.
Study team
The ‘A Good Start in Life’ team includes researchers, early childhood educators, allied health professionals, clinical educators and their students in occupational therapy, speech pathology and health.
- Professor Anthony Okely
- Dr Gregor Mews
- Dr Suzanne Packer
- Ms Jacinta Evans
- Kristin Blume
Project Manager
Antonia Kish
Family Liaison Coordinator
Susie Giugni
Research Officer
Jonathan Ramke

Contact us
University of Canberra Health Research Institute
11 Kirianri Street
Bruce ACT 2601
+61 (02) 6206 8312
uchri@canberra.edu.au