We believe every child has the right to early education, forming the foundation of their learning journey.
Did you know that children who are enrolled in at least one year of pre-primary education are more likely to develop the critical skills they need to succeed in school, and they are less likely to repeat grades or drop out?
That’s why here at UNICEF Australia, we’re focussing on wellbeing and education in the early years, especially in their first 1,000 days of life, when the most rapid development in the brain happens. We want to give every child a fair chance by ensuring they have the foundation they need to learn, grow and lead happy, healthy and productive lives.
1 in 5
More than one in five children still start school developmentally vulnerable, with these figures even higher for First Nations children.
2x
Children living in the most socio-economically disadvantaged communities are twice as likely to be vulnerable on one or more early development domains
Preparing children for a lifetime of learning.
Research shows that access to quality early learning can identify potential learning difficulties and provide appropriate early intervention and support. In fact, developmental vulnerability is about a third lower in children who attended early learning than those who did not. That’s why we’re working hard to ensure that children in need have access to quality early childhood development programs.
How we’re making an impact in early childhood development
Indi Kindi Program
"I love coming to work every day, working with my colleagues to make a better community, a better environment for the kids to learn. I’ve got a good job; I feel proud of myself because I didn’t have any power when I wasn’t working. Now we come together and plan for our little ones and the community."
Learn more about our work
UNICEF Australia’s Early Childhood Development Programs are helping disadvantaged children get the best start in life.
How you can help us make a difference
For all Australia's children
From remote towns to city centres, the rights and wellbeing of Australia’s most vulnerable children and young people are being impacted by poverty, mental health, homelessness, violence, climate-driven disasters, and for some, lack of access to quality education and health care.
Explore our Australian Programs
For Parents & Teachers
Explore our dedicated parents and teachers resources, interesting insights and fun facts.
