The first few years of a child's education are undeniably pivotal, with the initial year being particularly critical. The experiences and lessons learned during this influential period lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and character development. High quality education, delivered by skilled and dedicated teachers, equips children with essential academic skills and fosters social and emotional growth. The positive impact of exceptional early years educators, especially those guiding students through their crucial first year, cannot be overstated.

In his book "Hidden Potential," renowned social scientist Adam Grant emphasises the long-term influence of early childhood education. Grant's research indicates that the benefits of a strong kindergarten foundation, built by competent and caring teachers, extend well beyond the classroom. Children who receive quality early education from gifted educators are more likely to excel in later academic pursuits, demonstrate resilience, and develop strong interpersonal skills. These findings resonate with observations from our data analysis at Bishop Druitt College, showing that students who begin their educational journey with high-quality teachers consistently show remarkable progress throughout their schooling years.

Dedicated early years educators, particularly those teaching kindergarten, are passionate about nurturing young minds during this critical first year. These teachers create stimulating and supportive environments where curiosity is fostered and foundational skills are built through play-based learning, exploration, and structured instruction. Understanding that every child is unique, skilled first-year teachers tailor their approaches to meet individual needs, ensuring that each student feels valued and motivated to learn. They teach these young minds collaborative and communication skills that are essential in building and supporting relationships and nurturing teamwork.

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) further supports the importance of early years education and the role of quality teachers. The AEDC highlights the critical impact of skilled early childhood educators in promoting positive outcomes in literacy, numeracy, and social skills. According to the AEDC, children who attend quality early learning programs led by proficient teachers are better prepared for school and are more likely to achieve long-term academic success.

Recognising the vital role that early year’s education and exceptional teachers play in our students' lives, it is essential to expand offerings to accommodate more families in our growth regions. At Bishop Druitt College, this includes adding new kindergarten places and ensuring that more children benefit from high-quality educational programs led by top-tier educators. Maintaining an optimal teacher-student ratio with a maximum class size of 22 and providing enhanced support from teacher assistants is crucial. This approach allows skilled teachers to give individualised attention to each student during their critical first year. Regularly reinvesting in upgrading classrooms and play spaces also creates an enriched learning environment that inspires and engages young learners, complementing the efforts of talented teachers.

By expanding high-quality kindergarten programs staffed by exceptional educators, educational institutions reaffirm their commitment to providing an exceptional start to every child's educational journey. Investing in early years education and recruiting and retaining the best teachers fosters academic excellence and nurtures the future leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens of tomorrow. The goal is to equip students with the skills, confidence, and character to thrive in an ever-changing world, a task that begins with the guidance of skilled and dedicated teachers in that crucial first year of schooling.

Nick Johnstone
Principal

Sources:
Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). (2021). Finding from the AEDC Report. Retrieved from AEDC https://www.aedc.gov.au/early-childhood/findings-from-the-aedc

Grant, A. (2019). Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things. Viking.