No images? Click here December 2023Reflections from our DirectorAs we wrap up 2023, our Centre reflects on a year marked by collaboration and progress for both the Centre and children in Australia. While challenges remain, I think it’s important to celebrate success, even the small breakthroughs. In this final edition of the year, we share our top resources and look back on some Centre highlights from 2023. The Centre achievements below are a result of working in collaboration with so many of you, as partners, to address inequities for children. We’ve been working particularly closely with our early years sector collaborators and community partners to build on the momentum of the National Early Years Strategy and continue to welcome the growing recognition of the importance of the early years at a government and policy level. We all know this is complex work and we cannot do it alone. The inequities gap in development between the most and least advantaged Australian children continues to widen. While we are committed to building the evidence to inform more precise and effective early years policy and practice decisions, we can also better utilise the existing early years research and evidence to ensure that all children and families can thrive. We have shared these actions in a variety of advocacy submissions this year. Our submission to the National Early Years Strategy outlines five key recommendations to deliver the greatest benefits to children now and into the future. While our vision of achieving equitable real-life improvements in children’s health, development and wellbeing within a generation is ambitious, I’m ending the year feeling proud of the progress that has been made. This year we:
I would like to thank you all for supporting our Centre and our people, including me. I do hope that you are able to have a break over the summer and enjoy the festive season with family and friends. While we appear to have (sort of) emerged from the pandemic, I know many families and children are still feeling its effects—plus we seem busier than ever. Thank you for everything you do to help us make a real-life measurable difference to inequities in children’s health, development and wellbeing within a generation. We look forward to more action in 2024 as our Centre celebrates its 30th anniversary. Warm regards, Prof Sharon Goldfeld Thanks for spending 2023 with us. Here are the top resources and news stories from this year.Advancing the Early Years StrategyOur response to the Early Years Strategy Discussion Paper focuses on prevention, early intervention and redressing inequity. Using AEDC data to support thriving childrenThe Centre worked with the Telethon Kids Institute to produce the AEDC Data Story series. It explores how children are faring at school entry and how we can ensure they thrive. Early childhood disadvantageA new report shares indicators that help to measure disadvantage in the early years and inform more precise policy decisions to redress inequities in child development. Catch-up on our 2023 webinarsOur Thriving Children, Thriving Communities webinar series is available to watch at any time, with accompanying resources and links relevant to each topic. Mental health and wellbeingThis article by raisingchildren.net.au outlines the three elements that lay the foundations for good mental health. Reinventing Australian schoolsProf Sharon Goldfeld and Prof Pasi Sahlberg begin a national conversation about reimagining schools for the better wellbeing, health and learning of every child. Congratulations to our colleagues at the Centre on their diverse and exciting achievements this year:
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