This technical report presents the findings from a study that uses large-scale data to examine how specific aspects of quality in early childhood education and care relate to learning and development outcomes for children in Australia.

This report outlines essential steps for achieving a truly universal early education and care system. The report calls for reforms to enhance accessibility, affordability, and quality in early learning. The key reforms suggested aim to align Australia’s early learning system with other universal systems, like schooling and Medicare.

The Life Chances Study followed 167 infants from two inner-Melbourne suburbs from birth until early 2024. Over the course of the study, researchers have identified multiple and intersecting social policy, infrastructure and service improvements that could make a difference to the life chances of those living with economic insecurity and disadvantage. This report provides a...

Alongside an imminent general election, this year will see the greatest expansion in funded childcare on record for families in England. This research sheds some light on what the public want - framing childcare as a means to give every child the best start to their education, rather than an economic issue.

This article looks at the geographic spread of significant early childhood disadvantage in Australia and identifies locations with the highest levels of disadvantage. It also quantifies the level of need in each location to target and advocate for early childhood hubs.