The Front Project and Deloitte Access Economics’ policy explainer “The NQF Works! Implications of AERO's study linking quality and child development” highlights the essential role of quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) in shaping children’s developmental outcomes.
The policy explainer, which builds on AERO’s recent research, reveals a clear link between services that Exceed or Meet the National Quality Standard (NQS) and improved developmental outcomes for children, further stressing the value of investing in quality across the ECEC sector.
National Quality Framework (NQF) was established in 2012 to raise the standard of ECEC and to set a benchmark for high-quality education in children’s early years. Reflecting on the impact of the NQF and the research findings, the Hon Julia Gillard AC, expressed her support.
“I’m personally thrilled to hear that researchers at AERO have been able to track the positive impact of attending Exceeding or Meeting rated ECEC services on children’s developmental outcomes at scale.”
"At the time (2012), there were still naysayers who thought of ECEC as ‘babysitting’. They didn’t understand why we would make the effort to set a high benchmark to ensure quality early childhood education and care. Seeing the NQF is working is encouraging - the enormous effort put in place by the sector to implement the NQS is paying off." said Julia.
The Front Project’s CEO, Dr. Caroline Croser-Barlow, believes the findings reveal invaluable insights for policymakers.
“The research from AERO reveals that the NQF—particularly the quality standards on educational programs, physical environments, and relationships with children—predicts positive children’s development as they enter school. This is gold for policymakers and should be examined closely to help direct future investments,” said Dr. Caroline Croser-Barlow.
Regardless, the report exposes disparities in access to high-quality ECEC services, with children in disadvantaged areas less likely to attend services rated as Exceeding or Meeting national standards. This calls for targeted action and a renewed commitment to quality across the ECEC sector.
“The Front Project and Deloitte’s latest report reveals that children who live in disadvantaged areas are missing out on the quality we know makes a difference. We must work together to do better for all of our children, regardless of where they live." said Dr. Caroline-Corser Barlow.
"This report highlights a clear path forward; by continuing to lift quality across all ECEC services. We must work together to ensure all children in Australia gain the lifelong benefits of quality early learning and can thrive." said Dr. Caroline Croser-Barlow.
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