¾«¶«´«Ã½

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Early Start Institute and the , a milestone the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (UOW) will celebrate with the .

Manager of Early Start Operations Josef English is excited to welcome children and their adults for a day of engaging, research-informed programs and workshops.

“Our Festival of Play is a celebration of the right of the child to play and the importance of diverse play experiences in supporting children’s development,” Josef says.

Manager of Early Start Operations Josef EnglishThe Discovery Space is the world’s first dedicated children’s museum on a university campus. It sits within the Early Start Institute, where researchers study everything from healthy pregnancies to language development, self-regulation and the role of digital technologies in childhood.

Professor Lisa Kervin, Early Start’s Director of Research, says every project is driven by the mission to create better futures for children. Today, Early Start is a community of more than 70 researchers and 50 doctoral students.

“The early years are a time of rapid brain development,” Lisa explains. 

“All children need positive experiences and opportunities that influence their cognitive, emotional and social capacities. It’s through inclusive and playful experiences that children can flourish.”

Early Start Director of Research Professor Lisa Kervin.

A decade of community

Milestones invite reflection. For Josef, it’s the everyday moments that stand out. 

“The interactions I have with children and their adults, not just in the Discovery Space, but in the foyer, hallways and community spaces, are often what stay with me long after the workday ends,” he says.

“Hearing firsthand the stories of the impact Early Start has had on our community serves as both a constant reminder of, and inspiration to continue, the important work we do.” 

Lisa, who has been involved from the beginning, has witnessed Early Start grow from a conversation with Professor Paul Chandler about his initial idea into a successful research institute and public-facing play facility. However, she says her most meaningful memories are personal.

“Seeing the Discovery Space through my children’s eyes has been so rewarding. My three children attended the opening, they have all visited regularly over the years and I have seen them grow up in the space, showing me what their interests are and what changes over time,” she recalls. 

Now, Early Start researchers are looking outward. Through the “Where Are They Now?” study, the team is following up with families who have been members over the years to measure the centre’s impact. To date, more than 600 families have shared their experiences through a survey and 12 focus groups. 

“It has been so wonderful to reconnect with past members,” Lisa says. “To hear their memories and to learn of what is happening in their children’s lives now.”

“My hope is that our findings from this research can shape our strategy for the years ahead, build upon known success, embrace new opportunities, and capitalise on the potential for greater impact,” Josef adds. 

Stories of play

Over the past decade, a million people have walked through the doors of the Discovery Space. Stories collected for the study illustrate how the Discovery Space has shaped children’s development and contributed to cherished memories of childhood and parenthood alike. 

Cillian and Theodora

Theodora’s son, Cillian, now 10, first visited Early Start at 10 months old. His favourite spot was the outdoor water area.

“He really enjoyed the freedom to explore and get as wet and messy as he liked,” Theodora says. 

“I’ll never forget the day I had to call my mum to bring a towel to pass over the fence. After that, I always made sure to have a back-up outfit.”

As he grew, Cillian moved from the water play area to building with foam blocks, and eventually, to the Lego room.

“The Discovery Space gave him a place where play and learning are seamlessly integrated,” she continues. 

Even as he got older, Cillian loved showing his younger cousins his old favourite spots.

“It was just fantastic to have a space so totally centred around kids. Having the membership and being able to drop in for an hour or two was a lifesaver on those long days at home before school.”

Conan, River and Kathleen

Kathleen’s children, Conan, 10, and River, 8, practically grew up at Early Start.

“Together they loved the giant light sticks, market, the construction space and outdoor space, in that order,” she says. 

As they grew older, Conan loved the train while River would climb the ship or draw at the creative arts tables, but it was the market that was the ultimate family favourite.

“As toddlers, they both loved pushing the trolley around, grabbing any food products to put in there,” Kathleen recalls. 

“As Conan got older, he started to use the grocery lists and would very purposefully go around the market space. Eventually he just wanted to be a cashier and ring up everyone's purchases. He could then support his sister to shop and ring up her groceries too.”

Kathleen explains that Conan is still logical and orderly, while River still loves climbing, painting and drawing.

“It certainly highlighted what they were interested in and their little personalities.”

Miles and Sarah 

Sarah, a teacher, first visited Discovery Space on an after-hours tour. Later, she joined as a parent, bringing her son Miles, now 6, when he was just nine months old.

“Miles loved the creek and the trains,” she says. 

He would get soaked every time, so she learnt early on to bring spare clothes. As he grew, his interests shifted to construction, art, Lego and the archaeological dig site.

“We have lots of fun memories of play dates there. I would regularly catch up with my community mums’ group and his love of the play spaces grew from there,” Sarah says.

The membership even became a family affair.

“We added an extra person to our membership too, which has meant that the kids’ grandparents have also been able to enjoy exploring with them when they have been babysitting for the day.”

“It is such a unique, and wonderfully thought-out space, with so much variety to offer, and where I know my children will be safe.”

“I also love that there is minimal technology use, and the technology that is there is thoughtfully and specifically placed,” Sarah adds.

“There are so many wonderful hands-on, educational experiences and plenty of opportunities for children both big and small to grow.”