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Need Urgent HelpKids First Early Years – the next generation
A unique approach to early learning and a commitment to excellent outcomes. For every child, every day.
Kids First Australia - Early Years Education and beyond
At Kids First we want all children to access the highest quality education possible. In order to do that, families need a kindergarten that ticks all the boxes, across children’s social, emotional, and educational needs. Research shows that the first few years are the most critical in a child’s development to set them up for success. We believe we've found the perfect approach to set every child up for the bright futures they deserve.
In the universal setting of kindergartens, we pair early childhood development knowledge with our understanding of family dynamics to create the right conditions for thriving young learners. In settings like schools, we work directly with students to promote behaviours that exist in healthy relationships.
We reach out in our local community, engaging with families experiencing little bumps, and big ones, that impact their confidence as parents and their child's wellbeing. And we are there to work with children, young people and adults to assist their recovery from trauma.
As an evidence-based organisation, research and evaluation are part of our DNA. By evaluating our programs, we can measure the effectiveness of our practice and the outcomes we can achieve in partnership with our clients.
Often our evaluation process sees us partner with universities and peer organisations. We're pleased to share our insights and help to advance knowledge across our sector. Read more.
Early Years Education Program (EYEP) trial
EYEP was initiated by Kids First, previously the Children’s Protection Society (CPS), an independent not-for-profit child and family services organisation based in the north-east of Melbourne which was founded in 1896. The program was designed and implemented by CPS in collaboration with Associate Professor Brigid Jordan and Dr Anne Kennedy.
For six years, Kids First trialled the Early Years Education Program (EYEP)™ at our West Heidelberg Children’s Centre.
The EYEP™ was designed to support the emotional, social and cognitive development of children who had experienced acute disadvantage, including living with significant family stress and at heightened risk of, or having experienced, abuse or neglect.
Its overarching goal was for vulnerable infants and young children to commence school developmentally equal to their peers, and with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for ongoing successful learning. Read more.
Early Years Education Program (EYEP)™ - Kindergarten Model evaluation
The purpose of the Kids First Early Years Education Program™ - Kindergarten Model is to support children and their families to grow and develop positively from the early years and beyond.
In a partnership that commenced in 2021 with Murdoch Children's Research Institute, we are evaluating its effectiveness. Read more.
Our School Readiness Program provides training and consultation for early years educators throughout the year. We have package deals as well as offering the flexibility for services to build their own package.
In line with our broader work with vulnerable children and families at Kids First Australia, our School Readiness Program is founded on trauma informed practice approaches.
As trauma affects a developing brain in many ways, it is important for early years educators to recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma in children and support them with healing.
Our program is designed to equip early years educators with practical tools and coaching to support the social and emotional needs of children before they transition to school.
Kids First Australia is an accredited School Readiness Provider as part of the Victorian State Government School readiness funding menu. Read more.
Kids First is a proudly independent child and family services provider and early education specialist. A purpose driven organisation, our vision is for all children and young people to thrive in resilient, strong and safe families and communities.
We pride ourselves on pioneering and delivering ground-breaking, evidence-informed programs to children, young people and families. Everything we do is underpinned by our guiding principle of ‘HEART’ – Hope, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect and Trust - the values which bind our culture, purpose and vision.