Innovation in Early Childhood Development

Simon McKeon AO, Chancellor, Monash University

We know that early childhood education is an essential investment, with a high return for the future of Australia. We also know that there are currently large gaps in Australia’s early childhood education system. As it stands, not every child is given the same opportunities to learn and develop mentally, physically, and socially before they are five years old. This can have long lasting effects on a child’s wellbeing and their ability to interact in and contribute to society at large. Late intervention through education, child protection, health, social welfare and justice systems costs Australia in so many ways. But it doesn’t have to be like this.

Australia has a financial and social incentive to rethink the way we approach early childhood education. The system needs to change and be redesigned to enable all Australian children to reach their full potential. A robust multi-disciplinary evidence base, connected with practice and innovation, will help us reach, empower and learn from the most vulnerable in society. Thus, pre-empting the negative effects of uneven access and informing a system that will cater to a diversity of needs.

Australia has a financial and social incentive to rethink the way we approach early childhood education. The system needs to change and be redesigned to enable all Australian children to reach their full potential.

The Covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the many inequities in our society and this includes the unequal nature of our current early childhood system. The crisis shone a light on the necessity of the sector and the pressures faced by educators and parents when they are unsupported. However, as Australia builds back from the pandemic, we have the chance to improve these systems. A robust universal early childhood system should be a part of the on-going discussions that are redefining the role of ‘work’ and ‘home’ as we emerge into our ‘new normal’.  Appropriate and affordable early childhood care and education has long played an important role in both supporting families at a time when budgets are stretched, and in supporting women’s workforce participation. This is all the more important as we navigate a more uncertain world.

Monash researchers are showing us that solutions exist to these complex challenges and there is a way forward. We need to work together to establish a fair and successful early childhood education system that enables families and sector workers to provide appropriate support, and allows children to flourish, no matter their circumstances.

(COVID-19)...shone a light on the necessity of the sector and the pressures faced by educators and parents when they are unsupported. However, as Australia builds back from the pandemic, we have the chance to improve these systems. A robust universal early childhood system should be a part of the on-going discussions that are redefining the role of ‘work’ and ‘home’ as we emerge into our ‘new normal’.

Monash has world-leading capabilities in early childhood education, children’s cognitive and brain development, and policy reform. Monash is uniquely positioned to provide innovative research that is evidence-based and deeply connected to practice in order to enhance the outcomes of children under five years of age.

This website features some of the remarkable work Monash researchers are undertaking in the early childhood education space. This work promotes robust discussions and provides evidence of the importance of high-quality early childhood education in promoting brain and social development. By actively partnering with community, Monash researchers are able to test their research and turn it into real-world impact. This collaborative approach demonstrates how society, researchers, not for profits, and policy makers can see the biggest gains by working together, finding innovative solutions that work for everyone.