The first five years of life are the most powerful years for shaping who a child becomes. It supports how they learn, connect, see themselves, and move through the world.
Decades of research in neuroscience confirms what parents and educators have always known: that young brains are not only capable of remarkable learning, but that the way children are supported during this window shapes their brain architecture for life.
This is why our curriculum is built around our Brain Development Program, a blend of evidence-based practice, nurturing care, and experiences that respect the whole child.
We’re taking you inside how our Brain Development Program works, what it looks like day to day, and why it gives every child the strongest possible foundation for the future.
Why Brain Development Matters Most in the Early Years
A child’s brain reaches around 90% of its adult size by age five. But more important than size is the quality of the connections forming inside.
From birth to age five, more than one million new neural connections form every second. These pathways are influenced by everyday experiences, relationships, nutrition, sleep, and a safe, stimulating environment.
At ONE Early Education, we translate this science into daily practice. Every moment, whether planned or spontaneous, is an opportunity to strengthen brain pathways that underpin:
- Language and communication
- Social and emotional skills
- Cognitive thinking and problem-solving
- Motor coordination and physical development
- Self-regulation and resilience
The ONE Learn Difference
Our Brain Development Program is embedded within the ONE curriculum, which spans all age groups:
- Infant (6 weeks – 2 years)
- Toddler (2 – 3 years)
- Pre-Kinder (3 – 5 years)
- Kinder (3 – 4 years and 4 – 5 years)
Each stage is carefully designed to align with what neuroscience tells us about developmental windows when the brain is especially open to building certain skills.
How We Put Neuroscience into Practice
Here’s a closer look at how brain development is supported, from your child’s very first day with us.
1. Relationships Come First
Research shows that secure, nurturing relationships are the foundation of healthy brain architecture. At ONE, our educators form warm, responsive bonds with each child.
We take the time to get to know your family, your child’s routines and preferences, and what makes them feel safe and confident. This sense of trust encourages curiosity and exploration: two key drivers of brain development.
2. Language is Everywhere
Language is one of the most powerful tools for brain growth. From infancy, our educators talk, sing, and read with children constantly. This isn’t just casual conversation – it’s intentional, rich interaction that strengthens the pathways for communication, literacy and comprehension.
In our Infant rooms, you’ll hear lullabies and stories as babies settle and play. In Toddler and Kinder rooms, you’ll see group reading circles, storytelling, and children creating their own narratives through dramatic play.
3. Play-Based Learning
Play is how young children make sense of the world. The brain learns best when children are actively engaged and emotionally invested.
The ONE curriculum balances structured experiences with spontaneous, child-led play. Puzzles, blocks, sensory tables, imaginative dress-ups, outdoor adventures. All these activities strengthen pathways for problem-solving, memory, and flexible thinking.
4. Movement and the Brain
Physical activity is directly linked to brain health. Gross motor play like climbing, dancing, balancing, and outdoor exploration supports the brain’s development of coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
Our centres are designed with indoor and outdoor spaces that invite movement and risk-taking in a safe, supervised way. From babies practising tummy time to preschoolers tackling obstacle courses, children at ONE are moving, stretching, and challenging their growing bodies every day.
5. Mindfulness and Emotional Wellbeing
A well-developed brain isn’t just about IQ, it’s also about EQ (emotional intelligence). Learning how to recognise and manage emotions, cope with challenges, and build healthy relationships are all brain skills, too.
Our educators teach emotional literacy through everyday interactions: naming feelings, modelling calm behaviour, and guiding children to find solutions to social conflicts. We also weave in age-appropriate mindfulness activities, like simple breathing exercises, quiet reading nooks, and sensory play for calming busy minds.
6. Nutrition and Rest
Brain development relies on the body’s wellbeing. Our seasonal menus are designed by an in-house nutritionist and prepared fresh daily by each centre’s chef. Balanced meals keep energy and concentration steady, while adequate rest (supported by calm nap environments and respectful sleep routines) gives the brain time to process and strengthen new connections.
An Individual Path for Every Child
No two brains develop in exactly the same way, that’s why our curriculum is flexible, individualised, and guided by each child’s unique interests, pace, and family culture.
Regular observations help our educators plan activities that are just right for your child’s next steps. Parents are partners in this process, too: we share insights, celebrate milestones, and offer ideas to support learning at home.
Preparing for the School Years and Beyond
When children graduate from ONE, they take more than just a list of school-ready skills with them. They also carry the benefits of a strong brain architecture built through loving relationships, purposeful play, rich language, and responsive care. They’re curious, confident, emotionally secure, and ready to keep learning for life.
At ONE Early Education, our Brain Development Program isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something your child lives and experiences every day. Come and see how our educators and environments bring the latest research to life in the warmest, most practical way.
Book a tour today and discover how ONE helps your child build strong foundations from day one.
