Why Play-Based Learning Programs Like Shichida Are the Answer to Australia’s Early Childhood Development Crisis

Play-Based Learning Programs Are Crucial to Australian Kids

The latest results from the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) are a wake-up call. For the first time since the census began in 2009, the number of children starting school developmentally on track across all five key domains has declined – now sitting at just 52.9%.

These domains include physical health, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and social competence – all of which are critical for school readiness and lifelong learning.

This decline is not solely the result of the pandemic. And it isn’t limited to disadvantaged households. Concerning trends are emerging across a broad range of families, including those with strong parental support and access to high-quality early learning. In short, many parents are doing their best – but still seeing gaps.

This is where early play-based learning programs like Shichida become essential, offering structured, age-appropriate support during the most critical years of brain development – without adding pressure or stress.

Why Starting Early Matters

Many parents believe that learning begins at school. But research – and now national data – tells a different story. Children are arriving in classrooms unable to follow instructions, focus for sustained periods, or process language at age-expected levels.

These challenges don’t appear overnight. They often stem from a lack of targeted, developmentally rich experiences during the early years.

Brain development is fastest from birth to age five – a phase known as the Golden period of Development.

It’s when your child’s ability to absorb language, form relationships, develop memory, and make sense of the world is at its highest. Delaying structured stimulation until prep or kindergarten can mean missing this critical window.

That’s why the Shichida Method begins from six months of age, offering gentle, guided sessions designed to stimulate both the left and right sides of the brain. Our weekly classes are grounded in neuroscience and education research – and they give babies, toddlers, and preschoolers a head start where it counts.

Each weekly session is designed to engage both the left and right hemispheres, building a strong foundation for skills in memory, language, logic, creativity, and emotional understanding.

Scammon’s Growth Curve: The brain reaches over 80% of its adult size by age five – highlighting the importance of starting early during the “Golden Period of Development”.

Development Without Pressure

One of the biggest fears modern parents have is pushing their child too early – or turning early education into stress. It’s a valid concern.

Yet the AEDC data shows a troubling rise in emotional vulnerabilities among young children – including difficulty expressing emotions, regulating behaviour, and handling change. These aren’t issues of pressure – they’re symptoms of underdeveloped emotional skills.

Shichida is not tutoring or school prep. It’s guided, research-informed play that builds essential brain and emotional functions through fun, interactive activities.

Each class is gently paced, fun and engaging. Children are supported by their parent or caregiver throughout the session, helping them feel safe and secure. And while they play, sing, solve fun challenges and imagine, they’re building the foundations of focus, communication, numeracy, literacy, and emotional intelligence, without even realising it.

Learning through connection: Shichida play-based learning sessions are designed to be pressure-free and collaborative – parents and children learn side by side in a calm, supportive environment.

Targeting the Right Skills

You may wonder: How do I know what skills my child should be developing right now?

That’s where many parents feel lost – especially with conflicting information online. Yet the AEDC data provides a clear direction: we need to focus on the developmental basics – not ahead-of-age academics, but age-appropriate brain-building.

Shichida sessions are carefully designed to build:

• Memory and recall through visual, tactile, and auditory activities
• Fine motor skills through coordination games and writing foundations
• Early phonemic awareness and number sense through songs and games
• Concentration and listening through flashcards and short, purposeful activities
• Emotional regulation and social confidence through turn-taking and parent bonding

Importantly, the program also provides parents with ideas and tools they can use at home to continue the learning beyond the classroom.

A Proven Investment in Your Child’s Future

The fear many parents carry is this: What if my child falls behind before they even start school?

That fear is real – and growing, especially as more data emerges around declining developmental readiness. But the good news is, it’s not too late to act.

Families who begin the Shichida program early consistently report that their children enter school more focused, confident, curious, and resilient. Many demonstrate skills well beyond age expectations – not through forced learning, but through consistent targeted engagement during the years that matter most.

At a time when national results are moving backwards, early, play-based learning isn’t just helpful – it’s absolutely crucial.

Play-based learning, built on proven methods. Backed by research. Loved by kids. Flashcard sessions at Shichida are fast-paced, fun, and designed to strengthen memory, attention, and early literacy skills.

Give Your Child a Strong Start

If you’re wondering whether your child is developing on track – or you’re searching for a way to support their growth without adding pressure – Shichida is the place to begin.

Our proven play-based learning program supports children aged 6 months to 9 years, with age-specific activities designed to strengthen the exact skills they need – right when they need them.

Find your nearest centre or book a trial class to see how your baby, toddler, or preschooler is tracking – and what you can do to support their learning journey from day one.

Please note: enrolment for new students closes at 4.5 years of age – so starting early is essential.

Start early. Start strong. Join Shichida today!