The first five years of a child's life are the most impactful, regardless of what their future holds. A child who is overweight at age five, is much more likely to be obese as an adult and to suffer the associated health consequences. A child who is dyslexic or dyspraxic and has their additional need identified before their fifth birthday will have markedly less difficulty in achieving their academic potential than a child who has the same additional needs which lie unrecognised into primary or even secondary school. Life events that occur in a child's first 1,800 days have the potential to mould and shape their personality and mental health - for better or worse - for decades to come.
With the Early Years being such an impactful time in a child's life, it is absurd that those professionals who care for children at this age are minimally paid, minimally trained and minimally supported to develop professionally and personally. Opportunities to enhance and improve the lives of the next generation are being missed every day because the significance, professionalism and potential of our early years professionals are being overlooked.
