Early Childhood Hubs (ECHs) are places where children and families can access a range of services. This research explores viable models and cost structures for ECHs that meet the needs of children, families and communities, while ensuring economic sustainability. The findings aim to inform future funding models that enable scalable, sustainable, and responsive ECHs in...

Early Childhood Hubs (ECHs) are a leading integrated model that can fill a major gap in the current early years landscape. ECHs are configured to overcome many barriers to accessing and participating in early education and care. This brief provides an overview of the key findings related to the efficacy of ECHs.

Early Childhood Hubs are increasingly seen as a powerful way to integrate early learning, health, allied health, and family support in trusted, community-based settings. Yet much of the work that makes hubs effective – the 'glue' of integration – remains overlooked, underfunded and invisible in policy and funding frameworks. This policy paper examines this hidden...

The roll-out of the Commonwealth Government’s commitment for new services in areas that have become known as ‘childcare deserts’ will take Australia one step closer to a universal early learning system. This article calls on the Government to prioritise service delivery for young children experiencing significant disadvantage, ensuring it is integrated, holistic and builds on...

Government departments across Australia have started integrated reporting on outcomes into their funding agreements, as have many philanthropic funders. Yet, for funders, being intentional about the purpose and method of measurement is important. The article identifies five common reasons. For each, the article describes what they are and the implications for how outcomes are measured.