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This article was published on Monday, 16 May, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Greater Shepparton Launches Play Learn Grow - ‘You are your child’s first and most important teacher’ Initiative

Posted on Monday 16th of May, 2022,

Greater Shepparton City Council’s Best Start Program and Greater Shepparton Communities for Children have developed a series of promotional resources based on the learning domains of the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). The AEDC is a population measure of how young children are developing across Australia and measures children’s development across five domains: • Physical health and wellbeing • Social competencies • Emotional maturity • Language and cognitive skills (school-based) • Communication skills and general knowledge.

Under the banner of ‘Play Learn Grow’, the promotional campaign highlights the important role parents play in a child’s life and the everyday activities that promote and support early development. The key message is that parents and carers are their ‘child’s first and most important teacher’. All resources are easily accessible and free of charge.

Greater Shepparton Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said “Our parents and carers within our community play a critical role in their child’s early development, especially in the years prior to school. They really are their child’s first and most important teacher. A child’s early years needs to be filled with positive play experiences that assist their learning and development.”

“Greater Shepparton continues to welcome arrivals from around the world and we recognise that all children within our community are part of our future. It is important that we provide resources that everyone has equal access to.”

The videos and posters created are available in six languages including Arabic, Dari, Hindi and Swahili. In addition there are activity sheets available, information on local activities and services, and links to valuable information from websites such as Raising Children Network.

Kelli Vagg, Service Leader and Kindergarten Teacher, Tallygaroopna Children’s Centre said “during early childhood children are growing and learning through experience and interactions that will shape their knowledge of themselves and the world around them.”

“These first interactions are with a child’s family. When children feel comforted, safe and loved they build self-confidence, a strong sense of identity and develop a love for learning. Early literacy, numeracy, health, nutrition and a child’s cultural identity begin to develop and evolve through connections and engagement within the family.”

Greater Shepparton has seen great success with its Best Start Early Years plans, and this program will continue to grow and develop each year to ensure children in our community have a great start in life.

The first domain was initially rolled out in December 2021 and each domain follows within a six - eight week period, all domains will be launched by 27 June 2022.