Articles & Thought Pieces

A collection of pieces that inspire and support Early Learning and Care

The Quiet Role of Early Education in Mental Health 
Kira Jarman Kira Jarman

The Quiet Role of Early Education in Mental Health 

Early childhood education plays a quiet but powerful role in supporting mental health. Through nurturing relationships and play-based learning, educators help children build emotional resilience, empathy, and self-regulation, skills that shape lifelong wellbeing. When educators themselves are supported, they become key to creating mentally healthy foundations for both children and communities.

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Building Resilience from the Sandbox
Kira Jarman Kira Jarman

Building Resilience from the Sandbox

In early childhood settings, resilience begins in the sandbox. Through play-based learning and empathetic guidance, children learn to navigate challenges and build emotional strength. At the same time, educators grow their own resilience through support and professional development, shaping confident learners and brighter futures.

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The Ripple Effect of Early Childhood Education on Communities 
Kira Jarman Kira Jarman

The Ripple Effect of Early Childhood Education on Communities 

Early childhood education is more than a path to individual success. It is a catalyst for stronger communities. As The Fraser Foundation highlights, quality early learning supports families, boosts local economies, and fosters lasting social benefits. Children are better prepared for school, and parents, especially mothers, gain more opportunities to work. Over time, this leads to more resilient communities with less reliance on social services. Investing in the early years builds a healthier, more equitable society.

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Life changes require discomfort, pushing back fear and listening to the right voices
Kira Jarman Kira Jarman

Life changes require discomfort, pushing back fear and listening to the right voices

In a world where the only constant is change, the stories of individuals like Rebecca Ray and Derrick Cusack shine a light on the courage it takes to step off the well-trodden path and forge a new one. Rebecca, once a pilot, found her true calling in the realm of clinical psychology, a stark departure from the skies to the depths of the human psyche. Derrick transformed his life from one shadowed by substance use to one illuminated by health and mindfulness. Their journeys underscore a powerful message: embracing change, though daunting, is a pathway to discovering one's true potential and achieving personal fulfillment.

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