University of Canberra Health Research Institute
11 Kirinari Street
Bruce ACT 2617
+61 (02) 6206 8312
uchri@canberra.edu.au
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.
The Good Start in Life for Young Children research project at the Health Research Institute, University of Canberra aims to develop a program of support and connection for children (birth - 5 years) and their families across nine target suburbs in the Belconnen community.
Loose parts play provides children with open-ended materials to stimulate their creativity and imagination. Children can explore using natural, recycled and second-hand resources that are affordable, sustainable, easily sourced as well as open-ended, providing lots of opportunity for exploration.
The Good Start in Life project has focused on providing allied health and early years support to the Belconnen community. As a result, these supports and programs have had several impacts on educators, parents, children, and project partners.
