22 November 2006
Media Release
More Funding for Early Childhood Learning

Increased federal funding schemes for early childhood learning could lead to more training for early childcare professionals, more positions for young children from early infancy to three in early learning centres, and a long-term benefit for society, according to Childcare Queensland President Gwynn Bridge.

Ms Bridge welcomed the call for extra taxpayer support by the Departments of Treasury and Employment and Workplace Relations at an economic forum run by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research this week.

“We have been seeking additional funding for early childhood learning for several years. It’s good to see the message finally getting through,” she said.

The call came from Treasury Secretary Ken Henry and DEWR Secretary Peter Boxall, who both supported the view that more taxpayer dollars should be invested in early childhood education, particularly for children under three.

Ms Bridge says international research has shown the long-term benefits of early childhood learning services.  A bench mark early childhood longitudinal study of 111 children from early childhood through until they were 21 showed that the children in quality child care from infancy through until five years of age scored higher on IQ, reading and maths tests, were more likely to complete university, gain employment and delay parenthood until after their teens.  The research was conducted by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center in the US.

That studied showed the success of early intervention for children in poverty, and the advantages of quality child care beginning in infancy, with well-trained staff with good resources.

“It is heartening that at last we have a discussion by people at the highest level of Government on how to invest in the future of our youngest children at such a crucial stage,” she said. “This could be through increased benefits to parents and support of early learning teacher training.” 

The study is available on: the Website of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center.