EARLY YEARS REPORT 1999

Dr. Fraser Mustard, author of the Early Years Report Stressed the importance of providing quality learning experiences for young children

‘The better the nurturing and learning experience in early childhood, the better the outcomes’

‘Brain development during that time [the first few years of life] sets the stage for health and wellbeing’ Fraser Mustard: Early Child Development Centres – YouTubeFraser Mustard: Early Child Development Centres – YouTube (4 minutes)

Roughly 85 % of the brain’s core structure is formed by the age of three (ABC’s of Early Childhood) Although 90 % of a person’s total brain development occurs by age three, less than 5 % of public spending is targeted to children aged birth to three (ABC’s of Early Childhood)

How can learning experiences be improved for young children?

Provision of Early Years Centres – these are parenting centres designed to support families, starting at pregnancy. They would provide health services, preschool programming, parenting resources and child care PIES opportunities

Examples: Early Years Centres Enriched day care programs Library programs for literacy Zoo, nature programs Travelling Health Bus Opportunities to go places, do things & experience a variety of situations Free or low cost opportunities