This report presents an analysis and assessment of progress towards policy goals that will support affordable, accessible, equitable and high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) under the current policy, regulatory, funding and governance settings. It also presents recommendations to improve upon these settings as a pathway forward to achieve a universal ECEC system.

The Australian, state and territory governments share responsibility for the ECEC sector, which comprises centre-based day care, preschools, family day care, outside school hours care and in home care.

Governments and ECEC providers need to make significant changes to achieve universal access to ECEC. This report focuses on changes governments should make to the way they design and implement policy, funding and regulation, creating new governance structures and setting clear aims for reform. Government policy will support providers to offer more accessible and inclusive ECEC but should also raise the bar on accountability. Services should continue to improve the quality of ECEC they offer children and families, and work with their communities to create positive and inclusive environments for children.