Early awareness should not create fear. It should create understanding.
The Early Years Development Program is a free child development awareness and milestone-tracking initiative for schools, parents and children, created by Mayrah Centre for Child Development.
Every parent wants their child to grow, learn and do well
We celebrate the first word, the first step, the first drawing and the first independent task. But as children grow, it can be difficult for parents to know whether development is progressing as expected.
Sometimes a child takes a little longer in one area. Sometimes there is a genuine developmental concern. Many families don’t know what to look for, and even when they notice something, they may hesitate to talk about it.
- “He will catch up.”
- “She is just a little slow.”
- “Let’s wait for a few more months.”
Know. Track. Grow. Support.
Know
Parents and teachers know what developmental milestones to look for.
Track
Parents and teachers track their child’s development over time.
Grow
Parents and teachers grow by understanding strengths and areas that may need attention.
Support
Parents and teachers support the child when additional guidance may be appropriate.
The objective is not to label children. It is to create an environment where parents and teachers can observe, discuss and act without hesitation.
A simple record of each child’s developmental journey
Every participating school receives Milestones Passbooks for its students. The passbook uses a familiar format, similar to the vaccination record parents already keep for their children.
Parents keep it safely with the child’s school records and use it to observe and record development across ten areas, at several points over time. It is not meant to be completed once: parents revisit it every 3 to 6 months, depending on the child’s age and circumstances. Each passbook carries a QR code to MDAS, and over time it becomes a developmental history that the family owns.
- 10
- areas of development
- 3–6
- months between check-ins
- 1
- QR code to MDAS
Scan to start MDAS
The same QR code as the passbook, for children aged 8 months to 7 years.
Start A Free AssessmentMDAS: ten areas, in 5 to 8 minutes
Parents scan the QR code in the passbook and answer short questions about what they have actually seen their child do. MDAS compares those observations with age expectations from Mayrah’s own library of 1,200 skills, across ten areas of development and 61 finer strands. Parents then receive a profile showing the areas that appear to be progressing well and the areas that may need closer observation or a conversation with a professional.
MDAS is a screening and awareness tool. It does not provide a clinical diagnosis. Please discuss any concerns with a qualified professional.
A 1 to 2 hour workshop for your teachers and staff
Teachers often notice things first, but may hesitate to raise them. The workshop gives them the language and confidence to talk with parents. Its purpose is awareness and understanding, not diagnosis.
- Understanding developmental milestones
- The importance of observing development over time
- Understanding the 10 developmental domains
- How the Milestones Passbook works
- How parents can use MDAS
- Recognising when a child may benefit from closer observation
- How teachers can communicate developmental concerns sensitively
- How to have a constructive conversation with parents
- What teachers should and should not attempt to diagnose
How the program works
- 01
The school partners with Mayrah for the Early Years Development Program.
- 02
Mayrah provides Milestones Passbooks to the school.
- 03
The school shares the passbooks with parents through the child’s almanac or school communication system.
- 04
A note from the Principal or School Management introduces the program to parents.
- 05
Parents use the QR code to access MDAS and complete the developmental check.
- 06
Parents receive their child’s developmental profile.
- 07
Parents can repeat the check periodically and update the Milestones Passbook.
- 08
If a parent has a concern or needs guidance, they can speak with their child’s teacher, their preferred professional, or Mayrah Centre for Child Development.
Very little for your school. Everything else from us.
What your school does
- Introduce the initiative to parents
- Distribute the Milestones Passbooks
- Encourage parents to use them
- Allow Mayrah to conduct the awareness workshop
- Encourage an open and supportive conversation around child development
What Mayrah provides, at no cost
- Milestones Passbooks
- Access to MDAS
- Parent information material
- Principal / school communication note
- Teacher awareness workshop
- Guidance on implementing the program
- Support for questions about using the check and the passbook
- No financial commitment from the school
- No financial commitment from parents
- No obligation to take any service from Mayrah
- Your school stays free to guide parents to a professional of its choice
“Our intention is not to create a sales channel. Our intention is to create awareness.”
If a child or family needs professional support, the decision about where to seek it remains with the family.
“Let’s talk about your child’s development.”
Without fear. Without judgement. Without immediately attaching a label. A child’s development is not the responsibility of the school alone, or of parents alone. It needs parents, teachers and professionals working together.
- Observation instead of assumption.
- Conversation instead of hesitation.
- Early awareness instead of waiting.
- Support instead of stigma.
Because sometimes the most important thing we can do for a child is simply notice.
We would be honoured to partner with your school
Talk to Ms. Santosh about bringing the Early Years Development Program to your pre-school or primary school.