Early Years Resources

We know in the education sector that learning in the early years has a profound impact on the life of a child. Research shows that child health, early childhood education and family support programs can make a significant difference to improving outcomes for children. 

SDERA’s early childhood programs and resources offer age-appropriate content and create an interactive and engaging way of learning for young children. Being healthy and safe in the early years includes learning about:

• Safe travelling practices such as holding a grown-up’s hand when crossing a road and putting on a restraint whenever travelling in a motor vehicle.
• Poisonous substances, passive smoking and only using over-the-counter or prescription drugs when given by a trusted adult.
• Personal strengths, making friends, showing gratitude and recognising emotions.
  

	Smart Steps: Making safer choices - Taking smarter steps This comprehensive road safety program for educators, parents and carers of 0 – 8 year old children is delivered in two components: 1) as a professional learning seminar for early childhood educators 2) as a suite of resources for educators, parents and carers, and children. Visit the Smart Steps resources page to access the Smart Steps Presenter's Kit, storybooks, colouring in sheets and Izzy online game.
	Challenges and Choices Challenges and Choices provides learning activities that help teachers deliver contemporary, age-appropriate resilience, drug education and road safety programs. Practical examples of how teachers and families can promote the learning of personal and social skills (such as helpful thinking, positive attitudes, recognising and managing emotional responses, seeking help, and making friends) in children are also provided.
	Road Map Road Map is a road safety directory for schools and communities guides schools and parents to agencies in Western Australia who offer road safety education programs, professional learning, resources, presentations and websites.
	Connect The Connect directory provides contact details for a diverse range of community based health education, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and mental health support services located throughout WA.  These services support school staff, parents and students  by offering programs that complement a school’s AOD education initiatives, and providing counselling, information and referral for those experiencing concerns around their own or someone else’s mental health or AOD use.
	Bounce-back Bear The Bounce-back Bear fact sheet helps teachers understand how to build their students' resilience and develop skills that can help foster their wellbeing. The fact sheet offers ideas on how Bounce-back Bear can be used in the classroom.

National Practices for Early Childhood Road Safety Education

The national practices will guide early childhood educators and policy makers to develop, implement and evaluate evidence based road safety programs that support children’s and families learning about road safety. The eight practices are based on research and are aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. These resources will help early childhood educators embed road safety education into their curriculum while addressing areas of the Early Years Learning Framework and the national practices.

• National Practice: Holistic approaches

• National Practice: Responsiveness to children

• National Practice: Learning through play

• National Practice: Intentional teaching

• National Practice: Learning environments

• National Practice: Cultural competence

• National Practice: Continuity of learning and transitions

• National Practice: Assessment for learning

• National Practices for Early Childhood Road Safety Education (Full Report)