As parents, we all want to give our kids the best possible start, but let's be honest — sometimes it feels like we're just winging it.
One thing we do know for sure, though, is that a child's first five years are the most influential.
It's during this time that they engage with the people, places and objects around them to build an understanding of themselves and their world.
If you live in Victoria, you might've already heard about the game-changing reforms rolling out across the state. As part of the Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life initiative, children can now start kindergarten at age three — giving them access to two years of high-quality early childhood education before they even step foot in a school classroom.
And the best part? Kinder is free. Families pay nothing for sessional kinder, and those using long day care get a fee offset.
To get a better understanding of how kinder benefits young children, Mamamia spoke with Sarah O'Kelly, Senior Early Childhood Practice Advisor at the Department of Education.
With 37 years of experience working in early childhood services, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge to the department's approach to early education.
The early years form the foundation of a child's cognitive, emotional and social development. In fact, 90 per cent of brain development happens by the age of five.
That's why giving children access to quality early education is so important.
At kindergarten, children develop essential skills for life, such as creative thinking, social and emotional abilities and early literacy and language skills. It's a safe space where they can build confidence, become more independent and make new friends.
"The [Best Start, Best Life] reforms are huge for families, making early childhood education more accessible than ever," said Sarah.
With Free Kinder now available at 97 per cent of funded kindergarten services — including sessional services and long day care centres — families can save an average of $2,400 per child per year, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive before they even step into primary school.
Early childhood education plays an important role in ensuring a child's early years are filled with positive, enriching experiences that prepare them for both school and life.
"What happens during these early years is absolutely critical," said Sarah. "Children are developing the skills they need to manage their emotions, relate to others and learn new concepts. These early experiences lay the foundation for everything that comes later."
"Children build language, literacy and numeracy skills through activities like play, art, music and dance. These experiences are not just fun — they are purposeful and help develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities," said Sarah.
Kindergarten also fosters creativity, self-expression and social confidence.
"Children learn to express themselves, make friends and resolve conflicts. These early social interactions help children develop emotional intelligence, which is key for future success," said Sarah.
And play is at the heart of it all. "Play is the most natural way for children to learn," said Sarah.
"When children play, they explore ideas, test their boundaries and make sense of their experiences. It boosts their confidence and curiosity, making learning more engaging and fostering a love of learning."
Qualified early childhood teachers and educators guide children's learning by creating meaningful play-based experiences that help them explore new concepts and practise what they've learned all while having fun.
Kindergarten also plays a crucial role in preparing children for primary school, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in a formal learning environment.
"Kindergarten helps children build the skills they need for school — how to focus, take turns and collaborate — making the transition into primary school much smoother," said Sarah.
At a personal level, early childhood education also supports emotional development, giving children the tools to manage their feelings in positive ways.
"When children learn to regulate their emotions, they're better equipped to navigate both school and the ups and downs of life," Sarah added.
Research from Estonia, Finland and Canada supports the benefits of two years of quality early childhood education, but Sarah sums it up best.
"Early education invests in a child's future."
By fostering confidence, resilience and essential skills for life, kindergarten lays the foundation for lifelong success.
For more information about how to enrol at your local kindergarten, visit the Victorian Government's Find a Kinder Program tool.
Feature Image: Getty.
