KidsMatter Early Childhood Evaluation Report

Abstract

KidsMatter Early Childhood is the Australian national early childhood mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative specifically developed for early childhood services. It was trialled in 111 long day care services and preschools during 2010 and 2011. KMEC involves the people who have a significant influence on young children’s lives – parents, carers, families and early childhood educators, along with a range of community and health professionals – in making a positive difference to young children’s mental health and wellbeing during this important developmental period. The KMEC initiative provides a framework to enable services to plan and implement evidencebased mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention strategies. These strategies aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children from birth to school age, reduce mental health difficulties among children, and achieve greater support for children experiencing mental health difficulties and their families.