However, as we learn more about the way in which experiences in the early years shape health, development and well-being, and the extent of these influences over the life-course, the true importance of these years becomes more and more apparent.

This presentation will review the evidence, with a focus on the developmental origins of health and well-being during the period from conception to three years of age. This new knowledge about the impact of prenatal and early childhood experiences on health, wellbeing and development in later childhood and over the life-course must change how we view the early years, and has profound implications for what we need to do to ensure positive outcomes for all children and families. The presentation will conclude with an exploration of the implications for practitioners, services, government and the wider society.

Dr Tim Moore is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. He has worked as an educational and developmental psychologist for over 30 years, both in Australia and England, in a variety of mainstream and specialist settings.

At the Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH), Dr Moore works with colleagues from different disciplines in synthesising research evidence, providing advice to state and federal government and non-government agencies on best practices in early childhood, and conducting research and project work in generalist and specialist early childhood services and in service development. He has been the principal writer on numerous CCCH reviews, reports and policy briefs, and is a frequent keynote and workshop presenter. 

Download Tim Moore's presentation » (PDF file, 2.2 MB)