Why Early Childhood Development Matters

Early childhood is a critical period for learning, development and wellbeing. The experiences children have in their early years shape their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development and have lasting impacts across their lives.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, culturally strong early childhood environments are fundamental to supporting identity and connection to family, community, culture and Country. When early childhood systems are designed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, they reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing and create an environment where children thrive.

Strong, culturally safe early childhood development supports children to grow up confident in who they are, supported by strong families and communities, and equipped for lifelong learning and wellbeing. It also plays a vital role in prevention and early intervention, reducing the need for crisis-driven responses later in life.

Alignment with Closing the Gap

Closing the gap starts with our children.

SNAICC’s work in early childhood development is a key contributor to delivering the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and achieving lasting change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Our work aligns with the Priority Reforms, particularly strengthening shared decision-making and building the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector. By supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled early childhood education and care services, programs and policies, we help grow sector capability, sustainability and leadership and ensure all children have access to culturally safe early education.

Through advocacy, policy reform and partnership with governments, we work to ensure early childhood commitments under Closing the Gap translate into real improvements in children’s lives. This includes increasing access to high-quality, culturally safe early learning, addressing inequities in early development and embedding accountability to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By centring self-determination and community leadership, our early childhood work supports the long-term vision of Closing the Gap: strong children, strong families and thriving, self-determining communities.

Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership

SNAICC is the co-chair of the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership, a shared decision-making mechanism established under Priority Reform One of the National Agreement. Through the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership, SNAICC works directly with the Australian Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to shape early childhood policy, drive reform and improve outcomes for children in their early years.