Targeting investment where it counts

A report identifying communities for priority investment in integrated early learning models.

Today, our early childhood system is failing many children and families across Australia. Currently, 111,000 young children experience high early childhood disadvantage and hardship. A large proportion, around 25,400 children, live in childcare deserts – areas with little or no access to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Many more children live in communities that have partial or adequate access to childcare services but remain in acute disadvantage, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.   

This report provides a framework for prioritising investment in early childhood services to improve outcomes for young children across Australia experiencing significant disadvantage. It explores the relationship between child and family socio-economic disadvantage, developmental vulnerability, and childcare supply. The report identifies the most disadvantaged communities, including those in childcare deserts and those where existing ECEC services are not meeting local needs.  

In order to change the trajectory of some of the most vulnerable children in Australia, investment needs to extend beyond a place in a childcare centre. Integrated and inclusive early learning models have the potential to meet many of the needs of these children and their families. This includes Early Childhood Hubs, holistic or intensive ECEC models, and ACCO-led models. The findings from this report can assist with identifying which model and level of investment may be appropriate in the identified communities.