One quarter of Australian kids are ‘developmentally vulnerable’ when they start school. Quality childcare can catch them up

One quarter of Australian kids are ‘developmentally vulnerable’ when they start school. Quality childcare can catch them up

Ksenia Chernaya/ Pexels We know the first five years are a crucial time in a child’s life. Early experiences, such as family relationships or exposure to trauma, shape brain architecture, which lays the foundation for children’s learning, behaviour and health. Worryingly, a significant proportion of young Australians are not getting the positive early experiences they need. As of 2024, almost 25% of Australian children were identified as “develo…