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Research

The association between playgroup participation, learning competence and social-emotional wellbeing for children aged four-five years in Australia

This study provides evidence that continued participation in playgroups is associated with better outcomes for children from disadvantaged families.

News & Events

Playgroup program transforms early learning in Tonga

In Australia, community playgroups are seen as the ‘soft touch’. But a research project in Tonga is finding the benefits can last a lifetime.

News & Events

Kids who attend playgroup do better at school

New research by The Kids Research Institute Australia has found children who attend playgroups achieve better early primary school outcomes.

Research

The Development and Feasibility of a Manualised Therapeutic Playgroup for Children with Developmental Delay

Playgroups are widely used throughout the Australian community yet understanding of their efficacy is hindered by inconsistent playgroup definitions and practice principles. This study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate the feasibility of a manualised therapeutic playgroup for children with developmental delay and their families using a three step process.

Research

Is vegetation cover in key behaviour settings important for early childhood socioemotional function? A preregistered, cross-sectional study

The environmental influences on early childhood development are understudied. The association between vegetation cover (i.e., trees, shrubs, grassed areas) in four key behaviour settings and socioemotional functioning was investigated in 1196 young children (2–5 years).

Research

Traffic exposure, air pollution and children's physical activity at early childhood education and care

A significant number of children attend Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). ECEC is an important environment and behaviour setting for young children. Time spent outdoors is positively associated with children's physical activity levels, yet increased time spent physically active outdoors may expose young children to traffic-related air pollution, particularly in ECEC centres located in high traffic areas.

Early Years Systems Evidence

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.

Research

The Wellbeing and Engagement Collection (WEC): Promoting the importance of students’ wellbeing and mental health in schools

o help raise the profile of student wellbeing in the education system in Australia, The Kids Research Institute Australia and SA Department for Education through the Fraser Mustard Centre, set out to adapt and trial a population-level student wellbeing measure that could be used across the entire public and p

Research

Language in Little Ones (LiLO)

The Language in Little Ones (LiLO) study is a five-year longitudinal study (2017-2021), funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council. The study investigates the quantity and quality of language exposure in the home environment during the first five years of a child’s life.

Research

Participation in the Wellbeing and Engagement collection in South Australian schools

In 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.