MFI Early Years Toolbox

A collection of early learning cards adapted alongside Indigenous communities.

The Early Years Toolbox is a collection of illustrated cards that outlines simple conversation topics, caregiving strategies and playful learning activities, providing relevant information about early learning and child development from conception to 48 months.

The Early Years Toolbox is an original resource developed by the Martin Family Initiative (MFI). The resources attached to each Toolbox card can also serve to introduce babies and young children to language and teachings in their community.

Each card can be adapted to suit the individual child, parent or family member. The Toolbox is according to the overarching themes: healthy pregnancies, nurturing caregiving, play with children, early language development, enhancing environments for learning and family well-being. Toolbox cards draw attention to the good things caregivers are already doing, and suggest ideas for how they can further support and nurture children in their early learning.

The Toolbox is adapted for every community that implements the Early Years. The illustration process is designed to centre child-caregiver interactions while reflecting and celebrating the community that will use the cards. Toolbox cards are vetted by community members to ensure that the non-Indigenous child development theory presented on each of the cards is applicable and respectful of their knowledge, culture and context.