Whether it’s a nervous wave at drop-off, a spontaneous giggle with a new friend, or the proud declaration of “I did it all by myself!” - the early years are full of emotional milestones.
At Kids Academy Early Learning, we know that these moments aren’t small - they’re signs of something much bigger: a child learning to understand themselves and the world around them. That’s why emotional wellbeing is an essential part of the quality education and care we provide for children aged 0–5.
As we recognise World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day on 23 April, we’re highlighting the important role that early learning environments play in nurturing resilience, confidence and connection from the very beginning.
Why the First Five Years Are So Important
Early childhood is a time of incredible growth - and that includes social and emotional development. According to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, the relationships and emotional experiences children have in the first five years actually influence how the brain is built.
When young children are supported to develop strong emotional foundations, they are more likely to:
- Communicate confidently
- Build strong relationships with peers and adults
- Cope with change and frustration
- Show empathy and compassion
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) also shows a clear link between emotional development at age five and success in the first years of school - making early education an important part of a child’s long-term wellbeing.
Emotional Wellbeing in a High-Quality Learning Environment
At Kids Academy, emotional development is part of our everyday practice. You’ll see it in the way our educators connect with children, the calm routines we follow, and the safe, welcoming spaces we create.
High-quality early learning isn’t just about having a strong curriculum (although we have one of those too!). It’s about having:
- Educators who know each child deeply and respond to their individual needs
- Cooks who prepare nourishing meals that help children feel safe, supported, and at home
- Centre Managers and Assistant Centre Managers who lead with care and build a culture of connection and trust
- A strong focus on relationships, consistency, and play-based learning
When children feel secure and supported by the people around them, they’re more confident to try new things, express their emotions, and grow through everyday challenges.
Everyday Opportunities for Emotional Growth
At Kids Academy, supporting emotional development doesn’t happen in just one lesson - it’s embedded into everything we do. Whether it’s helping a toddler transition into care for the first time or guiding a preschooler through a tricky friendship moment, our educators use empathy, patience and connection to build resilience.
We promote emotional wellbeing through:
- Encouraging children to recognise and name their feelings
- Helping them problem-solve social situations
- Providing structured routines that create predictability
- Using play as a way to build empathy, confidence and coping skills
- Celebrating persistence, teamwork and individual effort
For preschool-aged children, our Positive Living Skills program introduces age-appropriate strategies like mindfulness, calming techniques and emotional literacy. These tools help children feel empowered to manage big feelings in a positive, age-appropriate way.
“Emotional growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens moment by moment - with a trusted adult by your child’s side.”
Simple Ways to Support Mental Health at Home
Families play an essential role in a child’s emotional wellbeing - and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few practical ways to support your child’s mental health:
- Use simple language to talk about feelings
- Model emotional regulation by staying calm in tricky moments
- Read books together that explore emotions and friendships
- Keep daily routines consistent and comforting
- Partner with your child’s educators - they’re here to support you too
Because Emotional Wellbeing Lasts a Lifetime
At Kids Academy, we believe that quality early learning builds more than just school readiness - it helps shape emotionally secure, resilient children who feel confident in who they are.
This World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day, we’re proud to be part of a child’s emotional journey - from those first goodbyes to those proud, independent steps forward.