Author Description

This report examines how to define and measure access to early childhood education, in order to better assess the progress of the National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education. The report draws upon a review of the Australian and international literature, interviews with stakeholders, and also analyses of several key datasets to examine the factors, barriers, and parental decisions that affect participation in preschool programs, especially for disadvantaged children. Datasets consulted include: Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC); The National Survey of Parents' Child Care Choices; The Australian Early Development Index (AEDI); and the Childhood Education and Care Survey.