Good for Kids, Good for Life is a health promotion program developed by the public health team at Hunter New England Population Health. It supports children from birth to 18-years, appealing to various services that target different age groups (such as early childhood services, primary schools, high schools, and more).
What Is Good for Kids, Good for Life?
In an early childhood setting, this government initiative largely works through the award-winning Munch and Move program, a set of evidence-based practices designed to embed healthy eating, active play, minimal screen time, and nurturing health policies into childcare centres' daily routines.
At Go Kindy, this means endorsing the same caring, child-centred practices you care about and ensuring your kids get the benefits of nutrition, movement, rest, and well-being in their everyday lives.
Why It Exists For Early Childhood Services
Young children’s early years are vital in shaping learning potential and lifelong habits. When it comes to teaching kids to prioritise their health, movement, food, and well-being, we bolster their growth and development so that they can go onto live fulfilling lives.
Good for Kids, Good for Life was originally trialled as a demonstration project between 2006 and 2010, to prove that with the right support, Early Childhood Education Care services successfully adopt better nutrition and activity practices.
It is because of this powerful movement that children learn to treat their health and well-being using proactive, instead of reactive methods when issues arise. With Go Kindy, it allows us to also connect parents and families with our early childhood services and work together towards supporting the needs of the emerging generations.
How Good for Kids, Good for Life Benefits Kids
Children who embark on their early childhood journey with Go Kindy receive a range of valuable benefits through real care and far-reaching support. These benefits include:
A balanced and nutritious combination of meals and snacks.
With the appropriate portion sizes, a variety of wholesome foods, and required hydration, kids brains and bodies can develop at the rate they need to. It also means they can learn to build good eating habits early. See how we plan our meals for your little ones here.
Regular physical activity and play
When playing actively, children build foundational motor skills like balance, coordination, strength, and spatial awareness. This helps their bodies grow strong and even fosters their confidence in their physical capabilities from a young age. Discover how Go Kindy support physical play in their curriculum.
Limited screen time
There are many cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development skills that kids gain when they engage in activity away from a screen. While a screen might have its value in some circumstances, it’s not needed in early childhood learning and care, because children already have an abundance of alternative stimulating opportunities that give them the growth boosts they need. Explore what life skills Go Kindy’s teaching your kids here.
Thoughtful social interactions
Social skills are highly valuable for young children, especially in their early years. This is all about developing the foundations of language, communication, and emotional engagement that keep kids feeling happy. Read about the language and literacy skills your child can learn at Go Kindy.
Keep Your Young Kids Growing With Go Kindy
Because Go Kindy already champions learning, curiosity, and the whole-child approach (such as, focusing on belonging, being and becoming for every child) aligning with Good for Kids ensures those values go hand in hand with nurturing health and wellbeing too. Discover the Go Kindy curriculum here or contact our friendly team to enrol your child today.