Making friends

The primary benefit of children attending early childhood education and care services is friendship. Before children can study structured and teacher-led lessons in primary school, children first need social competence.

Children need to feel confident with their own identity, be emotionally secure, and have a sense of belonging. They need to understand the reciprocal nature of society, how to have friends, and how to be a friend.

Babies, toddlers and preschool children learn and grow by spending extended, unplanned time with friends.