This signifies a clear shift in approach from the Commonwealth Government, from watching the ECEC market to actively shaping it to ensure that all children can access affordable, accessible and inclusive ECEC. Read our media release: lnkd.in/dAWgZpG5

The Government also committed to delivering more ECEC places in unserved and underserved communities via the Building Early Education Fund. lnkd.in/dAWgZpG5

The Front Project celebrates today as a significant day for children and families in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that if re-elected all children in Australia will be able to access three days of subsidised ECEC regardless of parent or carer activity.

Reflecting on the impact of the NQF and the research findings on ECEC from the AERO’s report, the Hon Julia Gillard AC, former Prime Minister and Commissioner of Early Childhood Education and Care, expressed her support. Read the policy explainer here 📷 thefrontproject.org.au/impac…

Read more about the importance of ECEC settings in the Children's Perspective of ECEC Report📄 bit.ly/childrensperspective #ChildrensWeek2024 #ECEC

Hence, ECEC settings play a significant role in children’s experience of access and connection. This Children's Week, we call for policies that ensure stable, safe, and inclusive ECEC environments.

While many of these descriptions align with the policy concept of quality in ECEC, children place considerable value on detailed experiences that are not extensively described as policy priorities.

Children showed us how their agency in the space helped them to learn to set boundaries, adapt to their environments, and express ownership over their space. These skills help foster resilience and emotional well-being.

This strong investment is a welcome first step to attracting and retaining educators and ensuring more children can experience the lifelong benefits of quality early childhood education and care. Read more in our submission here ➡️ ow.ly/mrkZ50TRkZX

Wage justice for ECEC educators is an important and long-overdue measure that recognises the vital contribution that educators make to the learning and development of young children.

Dr Caroline Croser-Barlow, CEO of the Front Project, appeared at the public hearing on Wednesday, 23 October, along with colleagues from the sector. ow.ly/mrkZ50TRkZX

The Front Project was pleased to provide a submission to the Senate sub-committee inquiry into the Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) Bill 2024 Find out more about our submission here ➡️ ow.ly/mrkZ50TRkZX

The Front Project commissioned Mandala and is pleased to share the report "Paving the Path: Addressing Market Imbalances to Achieve Quality and Affordable Childcare". Read the key insights and full report here 🔎bit.ly/marketandqualityecec

Their spaces and place provided them access to a range of activities including messy play, physical activities, and natural settings play a role in helping children explore and engage. Protecting these spaces is part of promoting children's well-being. 📄 bit.ly/childrensperspective

ECEC settings feature strong links to nature and the environment, providing children with social-emotional development, learning opportunities, sensory experiences, and a connection to nature. These spaces are critical for growth.

Relationships and the environment are key. Children told us that they value relationships with peers and educators that they develop in their ECEC settings. Children demonstrated a strong sense of place and connection to their community through the consultation.

To celebrate we will be posting what we heard from children through a consultation with children commissioned by the Productivity Commission for their recent ECEC Inquiry. The findings provide unique insights into what children value about ECEC. 🔖 bit.ly/childrensperspective

It's #ChildrensWeek2024! This year’s theme, Children Have the Right to a Clean and Safe Environment, aligns with what we heard from children in our Children’s Perspectives report. Our findings stress the importance on how ECEC settings shape children’s experiences.

Read more "Why universal childcare numbers don’t add up"— article by Dr Caroline Croser-Barlow CEO of @TheFrontProject and Amit Singh Managing Partner of @Mandala_econ thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comm…