Helping Children and Families Thrive

The first few years of a child’s life, especially the first 1,000 days are a really important time for their future health and wellbeing.

During these early years, your child’s brain and body are developing faster than any other time.

This growth can be shaped by:

• The way you connect with your child, through nurturing, consistent, attentive and responsive interactions
• The different experiences your child has to explore, play, learn and grow.

As a parent, you play a role in helping your child feel supported, loved and ready to learn. This role can feel more management when you feel:

• Confident in your parenting
• Supported and feeling able to care for your child
• Informed about your child’s development

When parents are supported and have opportunities to build on their skills, they are more able to give their children the care and experiences they need to thrive.

Many families come to us looking for help with things like sleep and settling, in fact, 96% of families say that’s one of the main reasons they reach out. But along the way, they often find support in other areas too.

Our programs are designed to help parents build knowledge, skills and confidence in areas like:

• Sleep and settling
• Feeding
• Parent-child relationships
• Communication
• Play
• Child behaviour
  

Families who take part in QEC programs often experience positive changes, sometimes in ways they didn’t expect.

In 2024–25, parents shared why they came to QEC and what changed for them:

• 26% came for help with feeding, but 65% said they now better understand their child’s feeding needs
• 25% came to improve their confidence, and 87% said they now feel more confident in parenting
• 24% came for support with behaviour, and 79% said their child’s behaviour improved

Other things families told us:

• 70% said they have a better relationship with their child
• 79% felt more confident communicating with their child
• 66% said they better understand the importance of play
• 98% said they are using what they learned in the program
  
  

At QEC we walk alongside families to support their needs and goals and often help in other areas too.

Because sometimes, families come for help with sleep and leave with confidence, connection, and a new understanding of their child.

Most families tell us they leave QEC feeling more able to respond to their child’s needs, especially during those first 1,000 days when early experiences matter most.