Social & Emotional Learning Program
iSTEAM Ahead Brookvale
Developed by Dr Michael E. Bernard and used in thousands of early learning centres across Australia, YCDI! teaches children the positive attitudes and social-emotional skills they need to thrive — at our centre, at school, and throughout life.
What Is the YCDI! Program?
The You Can Do It! Program Achieve Early Childhood is a structured Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum for children aged 3–6+. Across 32 carefully designed lessons, children learn the five essential attitudes and skills they need for school readiness and lifelong achievement — resilience, confidence, persistence, organisation, and getting along with others. Activities are brain-based, incorporating strategies developed by leading Australian educational neuroscience specialist Tammy-Anne Caldwell, helping children understand how their brain supports their learning and wellbeing.
Meet Our Five YCDI! Friends
Each character represents one of the five core social-emotional skills. Children come to know them through animations, puppets, songs, and daily classroom experiences — making these skills feel real, friendly, and achievable.
Meet Connie Confidence
Connie helps children believe in themselves, feel proud of who they are, and approach new challenges knowing they are capable.
Meet Pete Persistence
Pete encourages children to keep going, even when something feels hard or takes more time — because effort is always worth it.
Meet Ricky Resilience
Ricky teaches children to manage big feelings, find solutions to problems, and bounce back with strength when things don't go as planned.
Meet Oscar Organisation
Oscar helps children be prepared, follow routines, manage their time, and look after their belongings — building the habits that help them succeed.
Meet Gabby Get Along
Gabby shows children how to share, take turns, listen kindly, and build the positive friendships that make our community warm and welcoming.
Ready for School. Ready for Life!