Submission to the National Agenda for Early Childhood Project
Introduction
With much anticipation we read the consultation paper: "Towards the Development of a National Agenda for Early Childhood"and wish to congratulate the Commonwealth Government for this much needed and timely initiative. We note that ideas put forward in the opening pages are in keeping with our Association's determinations about children, their rights and current health potential within Australia at this time. ie.
- "Childhood is an important stage of life in its own right..." "all children deserve a good start in life..." "good nutrition is essential..." "and that adverse conditions in early childhood establish risks. These risks can be offset by protective factors that give children resilience"
- There 'are clear indications that concerted action in early years can make a difference.... USA studies show that there are substantial savings to be made over the longer term from prevention and early intervention programs in early childhood
- There is also evidence of some areas where health is worsening among Australian children... childhood asthma, obesity and type 2 diabetes are increasing. There are also some signs of decline in social and emotional health and wellbeing.
We also noted that the paper and ALCA Ltd are in agreement regarding the agenda's aims, principles, goals, and anticipated outcomes. Based on these observations we feel qualified to enter this debate and provide a submission on the draft Agenda and perhaps broaden the base on which the strategy rests to more fully include options which enhance breastfeeding and recognise its value to the national economy and the health of our children, especially among our indigenous population. We wish also to identify dental health as part of the strategy that needs attention, for maternal as well as infant health, and to point out the potential of day care institutions and preschools to provide breastfeeding education and support for working mothers.
The full submission is available for download in MSWord format here. (Please right click on link, and select to 'save as' to your computer)
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