MyChild

The Early Childhood Agenda

The early years are critically important for children, and learning is most effective when it begins at a young age and continues to adulthood. Helping young Australians realise their potential is ultimately an investment in Australia's future and needs to start early.

The first five years of a child's life are when they do their most important learning. In fact, children develop most of their intellect, personality and skills by the age of five. Providing access to high-quality, affordable, early-education programs is one of the best ways to ensure positive outcomes for children, particularly those who are disadvantaged.

The Australian Government recognises the critical importance of these early years and is working to create a world-class system of integrated, early childhood learning and care. The Government's early childhood reform agenda includes the:

• Australian Early Development Index
• Early Learning and Care Centres
• Early Years Learning Framework
• Early Years Workforce Strategy
• Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters
• National Early Childhood Development Strategy
• National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care
• Universal Access to Early Childhood Education