Kangaroo Island Council will create a free weekly program to support the development of local babies and toddlers with the help of funding from Words Grow Minds.

The Words Grow Minds campaign is a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, providing information to parents about how best to support their child’s development in the crucial first three years of life.

Based on the motto of ‘talk, play, read and sing with your baby’, the statewide campaign is an Australian-first, putting the neuroscience of early childhood brain development into accessible language for parents and the broader community.

In addition to the paid information campaign across television, radio, newspapers, billboards and social media, Words Grow Minds is awarding $60,000 in grants to 17 councils and children’s service providers to bring the message to life in local communities.

Kangaroo Island Council will receive $5000 to help develop an ongoing weekly music and story time for the island’s youngest residents, incorporating reading, singing, movement, music, visual arts and play. 

The weekly program will also aim to connect parents to other childhood services such as health and development checks, and link in with local playgroup providers to reach as many KI families as possible.

Words Grow Minds is led by Kate Ellis, the CEO of Raising Literacy Australia and Chair of the Early Years Taskforce, and a former federal minister for early childhood.

“We cannot ignore the fact that South Australian children’s development is behind the national average before they even start school.

“We know there is still a belief in the community that you only really need to start reading with your child at school age.

“But what the latest research shows us is that 85 percent of a child’s brain development happens by the time they are three, and every positive interaction in those early years literally grows their brains.

“Not every parent knows how to play or talk with their baby in a way that nurtures their child’s development, especially if that wasn’t a factor in their own childhood.”

Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly says the council is looking forward to spreading the Words Grow Minds message throughout Kangaroo Island.

"We want to improve outcomes for children on the island by ensuring they have access to quality early childhood programs and events that highlight the importance of the ‘talk, play, read, and sing’ message."

Mayor Pengilly extended his heartfelt thanks to the officers from Customer and Library Services, particularly Sophie Northcott-Rogers, for her efforts securing the grant.

More information about Words Grow Minds resources can be found on the website.