Improving Awareness of Child Development
October 2026
Improved awareness of developmental delay and neurodevelopmental difference is described as a domain of support for Thriving Kids under the National Agreement. Helping parents and communities understand children’s development means families can recognise developmental concerns, delay and neurodevelopmental difference early.
The second issue of the Implementing Thriving Kids series identifies how a national communications campaign, supported by coordinated local activities and communication science, can raise awareness of importance of early childhood development, how to promote it and available local support pathways.
Effective awareness raising about children's development should:
- be evidence-informed
- prioritise equity
- be co-designed with families
- link to clear support pathways
- build on the strengths of the workforce
- incorporate evaluation and learning.
Related resources from the Centre
2017
This summary is based on an analysis of existing Australian initiatives with community awareness-raising messages about parenting. The analysis was undertaken by the Parenting Research Centre and the Centre for Community Child Health at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, and commissioned by The Australian Government Department of Social Services.
The first 5 years of life are critical for children’s development. Growing Together brings together content from Raising Children Network and ABC Kids Early Education to help you understand more about how your child is growing and learning and what you can do to help.
September 2026
Authors: Olivia Hilton, Jacqui McCann, Suzanne Long, Trina Hinkley, Christine Imms, Elodie O’Connor, and Sharon Goldfeld.
The seventh issue of the Implementing Thriving Kids series describes how a learning system enables earlier action and better investment decisions, rather than waiting for end-stage findings.