The University of Melbourne will be the lead partner in the $16.8million study into how Australia can make the most of the $3.03billion it invests anually in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

Principal Investigator Professor Collette Tayler, Chair of ECEC at the University of Melbourne, says there is evidence from studies around the world that access to early learning programs is a critical determinant in an individuals’ educational and life outcomes, and thus has enduring impact on adult productivity and social participation.

In addition, she says the absence of an ECEC program can predict poor progress.

Professor Tayler says what is poorly understood, however, is what exactly constitutes quality in these programs.

"While around 61.5% of Australian 3-4 year olds currently attend ECEC programs that receive public funds, children’s experiences within these programs vary widely and impact upon educational and social outcomes.

"This is why a study such as this, which will enable educators and policy-makers to make evidence-based decisions, can assist in ensuring positive life journeys for Australian children."

The study’s methodology will involve analysis of a typical suite of ECEC programs in diverse Australian communities, classified as: remote, regional, urban, disadvantaged and wealthy.  Researchers will also consider outcomes for children who do not access ECEC programs.

"This Australian study is the first to link the non-compulsory education of three-year-olds, over time, to national test data collected when children are eight year olds. We need evidence about how particular types of ECEC program can promote optimal outcomes for children in different communities."

Measurement will go beyond purely structural issues such as the qualification of teachers, staff-child ratios and group size, to a deeper analysis of the programs’ scope, social mix and the frequency of children’s’ participation.  Outcomes in the areas of curriculum, social interaction, educational program, staff-family liaison and social inclusion will be measured, as will the outcomes of children in both private business and not-for-profit early childhood programs.

"Our approach aligns with new thinking on the integration of services - care, education, health and wellbeing," says Professor Tayler.

"The inclusion of education, psychological and health perspectives provides a comprehensive account of the experiences and outcomes of young children.

"Concurrent economic analysis allows immediate engagement in policy discourse: justifying investment decisions and providing benchmarks for social outcomes in common and easily comparable terms.  The outcomes are designed to be accessible to practitioners, governments and the public."

The research team includes:
Prof Collette Tayler (University of Melbourne)
Prof Karen Thorpe (QUT)
Prof Patrick Griffin (University of Melbourne)
Prof Ray Adams (University of Melbourne)
Prof Iram Siraj-Blatchford (University of London, UK)
Prof Elizabeth Waters (University of Melbourne)
Dr Gordon Cleveland (University of Toronto, Canada)
Dr Karin Ishimine (University of Sydney)
Dr Timothy Gilley (Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development)
Prof Frank Oberklaid (Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne)
Prof Ann Sanson, (University of Melbourne)
Ms Carol Markie-Dadds (Queensland Department of Education and Training)

The ARC grant total is 2.2million distributed over 5 years
The project is also resourced by
* The Universities (the University of Melbourne, QUT Brisbane, the Institute of Education, London, the University of Toronto at Scarborough, Canada)
* DEECD Victorian Government
* OECEC Queensland Government

For interview:
Professor Collette Tayler
Chair, Early Childhood Education and Care, Melbourne Graduate School of Education
The University of Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 8344 0992
E: collette.tayler@unimelb.edu.au

More information:
Katherine Smith
Media Unit, University of Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 8344 3845 / +61 4 0246 0147
Email: k.smith@unimelb.edu.au