A new analysis by Social Ventures Australia (SVA), in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics and the Mitchell Institute, highlights the urgent need to address early childhood disadvantage across Australia. The research identifies 110,000 young children in need across 737 communities with high levels of early childhood disadvantage. Of these communities, 131 are also  childcare deserts,  where significant disadvantage intersects with little or no access to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). These communities would benefit the most from an Early Childhood Hub (ECH) and should be prioritised for infrastructure investments.

ECHs offer a holistic solution to meet the diverse needs of children and families, helping to change the trajectory for some of the most vulnerable children in Australia.

This interactive map identifies the 737 communities with high levels of early childhood disadvantage, as well as the 131 that are also childcare deserts. It provides key data on each community, including a ranking of most extreme need nationally and within each jurisdiction. The map can be used by policy makers, service leaders and governments to identify locations for priority investment in integrated early learning models.

Explore the map to learn more about:

  • The national and state-level distribution of disadvantaged communities.
  • Key data and contextual insights for each area.
  • Existing early childhood and other hub models available.

The map displays the locations and the national and state ranking of each of the 706 communities across Australia.

Key statistics for each area include

    • Population of children aged birth to six, including those experiencing significant disadvantage

    • Population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged birth to six

    • Estimated preschool enrolment rates

    • Population growth over the last decade

    • Remoteness classification

    • Existing supply of early childhood hubs.

Information on the types of early childhood and other hubs is also provided on the map.

Related information

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Early childhood hubs: exploring need, funding models, and a national approach

We are seeking to transform the early childhood development landscape so that children experiencing vulnerability have access to high-quality, integrated supports.
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Mapping child and family hardship across Australia

Around 107,000 Australian children from 0-6 years are experiencing significant socioeconomic disadvantage. Understanding where these children are helps us better advocate for the services they need.
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Targeting investment where it counts

Over 25,000 Australian children in need are living in “early education priority zones” according to a new report from Social Ventures Australia (SVA).