Report summary

Research shows a strong connection between a child’s early years experiences and their overall learning, development, health and well-being.

The Think, Feel, Act: Lessons from Research about Young Children research report provides educators in early years settings with information to support early childhood development. It discusses:

  • the benefits of positive relationships in a child’s life for healthy brain development
  • ideas on how the environment can support children’s learning
  • the use of pedagogical documentation, like images or videos, to understand how individual children think and learn
  • the importance of supporting children’s ability to self-regulate and key steps for self-regulation
  • principles to help pedagogical leaders build and promote quality early learning environments
  • key components of inclusive child care and early years programs

Videos

The Think, Feel, Act: Lessons from Research about Young Children resource videos have been updated to meet our newest accessibility standards.

These videos are now also available with described audio.

Positive relationships and brain development

Children’s experiences of positive, caring and responsive interactions have a significant impact on the brain and children’s learning, development, health and well-being.

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Pedagogical leadership

Pedagogical leadership involves leading or guiding the study of the teaching and learning process.

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Pedagogical documentation

This process documents children’s experiences and studies what children reveal about their views of the world.

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Inclusion

Inclusive early years programs ensure full participation of all children.

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Parent engagement

Parent engagement happens when parents and caregivers are invited to participate throughout all areas of the program.

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Learning environments

The learning environment includes the indoor and outdoor space and materials, daily routines, schedules, rules and the relationships between children, adults and all of these elements.

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Self-regulation

Self-regulation, the ability to deal with and recover from stress, lays a foundation for long-term physical, psychological, behavioral and educational well-being.

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Disclaimer

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