Starting Strong was a concept introduced in 2001 as a major policy priority in OECD Member countries to improve the quality of, and access to, early childhood education and care. The extensive research behind it tells us that the early years are the first step in lifelong learning and a key component of successful educational, social, and family outcomes.
We know what matters most for children’s learning and development and build this into our practice every day in every ECMS service. We strive to support lifelong learning outcomes that are anchored in relationship for children and families, where research and evidence confirms just how important it is to have a strong start in the first five years.
Here’s a great story from Cathryn Christelow, Educational Leader and Early Childhood Teacher at Macleod Preschool, highlighting early childhood education’s powerful nature:
“Starting Strong for us has really taken on a new perspective after a conversation with a grandparent earlier this year.
“My colleague Megan Matassoni and I have always had a ‘relationships first’ approach, building a strong foundation by promoting safety, security, relationship and connection. We also encourage and model kindness and empathy and see beautiful examples of this often. We aim to build strong relationships with the children and their important people, including grandparents!
“At the beginning of the year, just as we were settling into a new group, there was a knock on the door. It was a past grandparent who had come to drop off some craft materials, but also to tell us something special. We taught all four of her grandchildren who are now in Year 6 (twins), Year 4 and Year 2.
“The grandparent said – ‘I came to tell you that E and O (twins) have just been announced as school captains’ (along with two other children who were also in my class at that time). She said: ‘We all recognise that the foundation you gave them here at kinder and the values you instilled in them contributed to and led to this moment. We wanted to tell you and say thank you.’
“These words meant a lot to us, and we have reflected on what an impact Starting Strong can have. We often may not know of this impact but occasionally, like in this case, something will ripple back to you and confirm your work and the broader work of high-quality early education.”
“We were delighted that this past family recognised and valued their experience with us and the early education we provided. We also reflected on how fortunate we are to work in a community where this news was able to come back to us.”
This story deeply captures the impact and importance of quality early childhood education and how starting strong at ECMS isn’t just about the beginning of the year, it’s the entire journey of a child and their family as lifelong learners – our purpose in action!