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New report highlights the impact of inaccessible early learning in regional communities
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Freya Lucas
Sep 17, 2024
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A new report has showcased the lived experience of families in regional, rural and remote Australia, highlighting the impact of inaccessible early learning.
IMPACTFUL: The negative impacts of inaccessible early learning on regional, rural and remote communities delves into the urgent need for accessible and affordable early childhood education and care (ECEC) in regional, rural and remote Australia, and is the culmination of months of research and on-the-ground engagement with regional, rural and remote communities, highlighting the significant gaps in ECEC services and their widespread effects on children, families, and communities.Drawing on the experiences of 162 parents, carers, educators and community leaders, as well as insights from an online poll of 855 individuals and a comprehensive review of relevant literature, the report can be summed up in one key finding: the lack of ECEC services is severely impacting the social and economic fabric of these regions, limiting opportunities for children, placing financial strain on families and weakening liveability in the regions.
For its authors, the report is “a testament to their stories and a call to action for much-needed change.”
“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves access to quality early childhood education and care,” the authors note.
“Ensuring this access is not just beneficial for families - it strengthens communities and boosts the economy by enabling parents to work and participate in society. We hope this report will be a catalyst for change, driving the urgent reforms needed to close the ECEC gap in regional, rural and remote Australia.”
Access the report here
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