New paper argues for more accessible ECEC, outlining benefits for children 

A new research discussion paper reviewing early childhood education and care (ECEC) policy in Australia has advocated for Universal Access, highlighting the crucial role ECEC plays in both a child’s wellbeing, and their future success. 

The Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre (SSSHARC) paper, led by Associate Professor Luara Ferracioli, notes that while parents, extended family and community play a vital role in the upbringing of children, the paper suggests that ECEC is an opportunity to provide equal access for every child to experience a happy and thriving childhood.

“ECEC not only enhances children’s developmental capacities but also provides them with invaluable childhood experiences such as play, friendship, and exploration,” Associate Professor Ferracioli said.

“The current debate about making high-quality ECEC accessible for all presents an opportunity to balance the scales so every Australian child thrives and is equally ready for school.”

Richer experiences

While access to affordable ECEC has been proven to enable female workforce participation, improve gender parity, and benefits to the broader economy, Associate Professor Ferracioli argues that what is often overlooked in discussions about the benefits of ECEC is that it provides “the space and experiences for children to be guided by their curiosity, awe and fascination.”

Associate Professor Ferracioli and her coauthors propose that these experiences are just as valuable for children learning how to practice different ways of being in the world as the core skills for physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

“ECEC gives children access to the intrinsic goods of childhood: spending quality time with friends to engage in imaginative play and share joy or fears; exploring particular interests with the expert support of educators; discovering the social and natural environment in a carefree way; and developing caring and meaningful relationships with others beyond family members,” she said.

“It also allows children to extend their community and sense of connection, while enhancing their awareness of independence and self-actualisation. These are crucial aspects for children to pursue what they enjoy and develop their identity, and things that are not necessarily or always available in the home setting.”

Needs of the child, not the economy

To deliver the conditions of a flourishing childhood for all, the paper argues that children’s rights should be placed at the centre of the ECEC public policy debate. Other considerations such as workforce participation and economic productivity, they argue, are important but should not dominate the discussion.

“ECEC policy in Australia is not universally provided and currently prioritises the social and economic benefits for adults, rather than the benefits for children,” AP Ferracioli said. 

“We need to shift our thinking that childhood is just a stepping stone on the pathway to adulthood – children are individuals with their own needs, and our policies for them need to reflect that.”

“Both state and federal governments have a responsibility to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care to all children, including children from low-income families, from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with disability and those living in rural and remote areas.”

Removing barriers related to affordability, accessibility, and availability, they continue, is critical to achieving universal ECEC and making it the foundation of Australia’s education system.

“Policymakers need to ensure that families and caregivers are supported to make informed choices about their child’s education and care. As a society, we need to better understand the huge role ECEC plays in allowing our children to have richer experiences and enjoy childhood.”

Read the paper here.