Premier

Supporting Young Children As They Grow

27 April 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is better supporting young children to learn and develop with a new online, interactive learning course for early childhood educators.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos visited Melbourne Museum to launch the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute’s new Laying the Foundations eLearning course.

The course highlights the importance of the early years in a child’s life and how early experiences of health, learning and development influence a child as they grow older.

It consists of five modules that provide an overview of childhood learning and development for those aged 0 to 8, and was developed by the Centre for Community Child Health in partnership with the Government, early childhood experts and experienced practitioners.

The course has been developed with early childhood educators in mind but can be used by others working with families and young children, including those working with families experiencing vulnerability.

The materials are informed by the science of early brain development and current research.

Making Victoria the Education State starts with giving every child a strong start in life.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“We’re making sure early childhood educators have access to the most updated research to support children’s learning and development.”

“Quality early years education is so important, and this online learning course will help improve our children’s potential as they grow up.”

Quotes attributable to Director Centre for Community Child Health MCRI Professor Frank Oberklaid

“Experiences in the early years shape lifelong health and wellbeing. Laying the Foundations develops understanding of how to support children’s learning and development to give them the very best start.”

“Building understanding of the importance of nurturing relationships, rich experiences, and how to support strong early childhood learning and development will have lasting benefits for our children and our communities.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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