Presenters: Dr Antonia Kish, Dr Jacqui McKechnie

Co-authors: Cate Hilly, Susie Giugni, Vivian Yu, Jonathan Ramke, Rachel Davey 

While many children in Belconnen, Canberra are progressing well, an increasing number are falling behind. Data from the most recent national Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) show significant increases in the percentages of children who are developmentally vulnerable in the five domains of: physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and communication and general knowledge. Suburbs in Belconnen and Tuggeranong are performing the least well and have continually worsened over the last 10 years. 

 

The ‘Good Start in Life for Young Children’ research project aims to create support and connection for children (birth-5 years) and their families across target suburbs in Belconnen. The project has delivered allied health outreach programs through Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Services, preschools and community groups/playgroups to improve the health and wellbeing of children who are at risk of developmental vulnerability.