Funded Research Project
Project Title: Assessing the effectiveness of early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs in Australian communities
Chief Investigators: Professor Collette Tayler; Prof K Thorpe; Professor Patrick Griffin; Professor Raymond Adams; Prof I Siraj-Blatchford; Prof EB Waters; Dr GH Cleveland; Dr K Ishimine; Dr TD Gilley; Prof AV Sanson; Prof F Oberklaid; Ms L Luxford; Dr J Dungan
Administering Organisation: The University of Melbourne
Funded by: ARC Linkage Project grant 2009-2014
Project Summary: The focus of this study is optimising early learning and social experiences and establishing positive life trajectories for Australia's children. This addresses the National Research Priority, A healthy start to life, and aligns with the National Productivity Agenda. The study provides evidence about the effectiveness of ECEC programs in diverse Australian communities and examines the contribution of different ECEC provision to children's attainments at school entry through to the first national testing at age 8. Measured outcomes address the COAG productivity agenda to include health, social inclusion and education. Findings will inform theory internationally and policy, investment and ECEC practices in Australia