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Early Start

Early Start

This is the place where curiosity rules

A place where research, education, and community come together for children, especially for those growing up in regional and remote Australia. No matter their background, circumstance or challenges - we are focused on the child; their adults, their communities and surrounding systems.
Early Start is a collaborative initiative between the Commonwealth Government, the Abbott foundation and the University of Wollongong to positively impact on the life trajectories of children growing up in regional and remote Australia. Early Start is an institute within the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.

Early Start Expert Insight podcast series

This series focuses on the whole CHILD and their community – from the pre-natal period to adolescence. Listen to our researchers and partners share their experiences, research findings, and evidence-based advice on a range of topics from culture to healthy development, learning, play, relationships, innovative programs and more.

Tune in

Where curious minds play

father and son playing Early Start Discovery Space

An interactive children’s play space that stimulates curiosity, nurtures creativity, builds confidence, hands on learning and provides opportunities for social connection, wellbeing and development.

building external shot Research and advocacy

Our interdisciplinary researchers investigate areas of children’s learning, health and development. We develop and advocate for evidence-based policies and programs.

girl holding a chicken Engagement

Early Start supports and collaborates with a network of early childhood education and care centres in regional and remote areas to enrich professional practice and strengthen the outcomes for children.

Children ark-canoe Translation

Early Start aims to make a difference in the real world by turning our research into practice. We do this at scale and in partnership with the community, early childhood field and education sector, and governments.

Resources

Play and Learn Together Logo - an Early Start initiative Play & Learn Together

Play & Learn Together is a free, research-informed, play-based learning hub for parents, families and educators.

Preschool aged children creating an indigenous inspired poster with their handprints 2021 Annual Report

Early Start highlights from 2021

News

Education, Health and Medicine

Why the ‘next 1,000 days’ are crucial for millions of children around the world

75 per cent of children in low- and middle-income countries are not receiving the care they need, new global study shows
Community, Education

Helping the early childhood sector to navigate the world of digital technology

UOW researchers to launch new evidence-based learning resources for early childhood educators
Alumni, Education

How a single conversation changed Natalie’s life

Chance meeting with Early Start lecturer led to PhD for play expert