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Research
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Play Active policy intervention and implementation support in early childhood education and care: a pragmatic cluster randomised trial protocolDaily physical activity is critical during the early years of life for facilitating children's health and development. A large proportion of preschool children do not achieve the recommended 3 h of daily physical activity. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are a key setting to intervene to increase physical activity. There is a significant need for ECEC specific physical activity policy, including clearer guidelines on the amount of physical activity children should do during care, and strategies for implementation of these guidelines.
Research
Wellbeing and Engagement Collection (WEC) in the South Australian school systemThe aim of the WEC is to help teachers, school leaders and policy makers better understand and support the wellbeing and engagement of their students.
Research
Participation in the Wellbeing and Engagement collection in South Australian schoolsIn South Australian schools, students in Grade 4 to 12 are invited to participate in an annual survey about their wellbeing and engagement in school, referred to as the Wellbeing and Engagement Collection.
The Early Years Systems Evidence (EYSE) team specialises in working in partnership with governments and service providers, with a distinct focus on improving the life chances of children in Australia.
The Human Development and Community Wellbeing Team conducts research across the lifespan from conception, childhood, and youth to adulthood and the social determinants that impact and influence outcomes. The team’s focus is on the broader life course of individuals and communities within the family, school, and online environments, and includes economic evaluation of programs and outcomes.
News & Events
Top reasons why you should consider joining a playgroupWe have all heard of the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ but unfortunately in contemporary western society that ‘village’ can be hard to find.
Research
Study protocol for Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup: a multi-site cluster randomized controlled trial of an intervention to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours in young children attending community playgroupsEarly childhood is a critical window for preventing obesity and chronic disease. Yet, 1 in 4 Australian children aged 5 years and under are affected by overweight or obesity; and significant proportions of children under 5 years fail to meet guidelines for diet quality, physical activity (PA), screen time, and sleep.
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The association between playgroup participation, learning competence and social-emotional wellbeing for children aged four-five years in AustraliaThis study provides evidence that continued participation in playgroups is associated with better outcomes for children from disadvantaged families.
News & Events
Kids who attend playgroup do better at schoolNew research by The Kids Research Institute Australia has found children who attend playgroups achieve better early primary school outcomes.
Research
Population-referenced percentiles for total movement and energetic play at early childhood education and careChildcare services such as preschools and long day care centres have been identified as a key setting to promote physical activity in early childhood as they provide access to large numbers of children for prolonged periods. Yet, specific standards for the type and amount of physical activity children accumulate whilst attending childcare are lacking. The purpose of this study was to derive population-referenced percentile values for children's total movement and energetic play whilst attending early childhood education and care services.