A pioneering national project that aims to build resilience in preschoolers and children in long day care and to reduce their risk of experiencing mental health problems has delivered significant results according to an evaluation by Flinders University.

The findings by Flinders University show that the KidsMatter Early Childhood initiative has improved the mental health and wellbeing of children, helped early childhood education staff better care for children and improved links with mental health professionals.

The two-year evaluation was conducted in the 105 childhood services across Australia where KidsMatter Early Childhood is operating, collecting data from over 1000 staff and 5000 parents.

Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler said KidsMatter Early Childhood promotes positive mental health by developing children's social and coping skills, providing parents with resources to support parenting, and helping parents and educators to respond effectively to children experiencing difficulties.

He said the Flinders University researchers identified a number of positive outcomes:

• One in six children identified as experiencing mental health difficulties at the start of the project were no longer classified as experiencing difficulties at its conclusion
• Staff capacity to recognise and assist children experiencing mental health difficulties increased 20 per cent
• The project significantly improved educators' knowledge regarding young children's mental health
• The project improved the quality of educators' relationships with children in their care

Mr Butler said KidsMatter Early Childhood was conceived after the success of the KidsMatter Primary School initiative which delivered similar benefits.

"This is the first national health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative developed specifically for early childhood education and care services. It's great news that it has been so successful," he said.

Beyondblue, Chief Executive Officer Kate Carnell AO said the results of assessment highlight the effectiveness of early intervention in promoting children's mental wellbeing.

"This is the first initiative in Australia which specifically tackles the challenges of developing good mental health in early childhood. It not only helps children, but educators also, with many reporting they are better able to support healthy child development as a result."

Tessa McGavock Director of University of Western Sydney Early Learning, one of the services which has adopted KidsMatter, said the project provided early childhood staff with additional skills to work with children who may experience difficulty settling into new surroundings or coping in an established environment.

"Since the project started here, we've had a huge injection of knowledge that has enhanced staff skills in settling children and their families," she said.

"The children are now more able to vocalise the emotions that are driving their behaviour and generally separate from their parents with greater ease. Children also know now that it's ok to feel angry. It's what you do with that anger that is most important."

KidsMatter Early Childhood is now being rolled out to an additional 130 early childhood education and care services across the country to increase the number of children and educators who can benefit.

To learn more and find out whether the program is offered in your area go to www.Kidsmatter.edu.au.