Early Life Foundations is a not for profit organisation and research centre for children’s education and parent support. Its conception grew from the work of Kathy Walker and Associates during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. The commitment was and continues to be to work with parents and other organisations to provide an independent voice to the community about children’s education and well being. The organisation grew exponentially through community presentations, parent consultations and workshops, consultancy to schools, particularly in the area of early year’s curriculum through The Walker Learning Approach (Australian Developmental Curriculum) and assessments of children.

In 2009, the organisation made the decision to become an incorporated not for profit centre of excellence so as to continue at a higher and broader level the success for children, parents and educators that had blossomed in its early years.

We are proud to have already sponsored international relief agencies education in the Philippines, to be working with Indigenous communities and educators in the NT and to be adding the important aspect of research into our organisation.

We are the first independent organisation in Australia that has worked in a practical and curriculum sense to bridge the divide between early childhood and early years of school. Kathy was one of the first professionals to coin the term, seamless curriculum and seamless transition between early childhood and school in relation to curriculum and pedagogy. The Walker Learning Approach (Australian Developmental Curriculum) is the first major Australian curriculum that has incorporated a rigorous, systematic and written curriculum based upon the mix of play and explicit teaching for the early years of school.

The results for children in relation to engagement, oral language and reading comprehension amongst other aspects of learning have been phenomenal. Kathy has a fellowship with the Australian Education Leadership Association for her leadership in curriculum design and excellence in early childhood and primary education.

Early Life Foundations has a dedicated team of professional associates including researchers, past school principals, academics, teachers across preschool and primary as well as family therapists and psychologists.

Early Life Foundations is committed to providing excellence in support, consulting and research to ensure best practice for children and families is maximised.

Early Life Foundations has a commitment to exploring and implementing evidence based best practice for children’s education. It is proudly an independent organisation which seeks to work cooperatively with Governments but not to be directed by government so as to ensure independent best practice and freedom of expression.