Media statement: Australian early learning programs
9 January 2012
The E4Kids research team at the University of Melbourne and the Queensland University of Technology rejects media claims that the standard of Australia’s early learning programs is ‘very poor’. The E4Kids study does not make such claims.
The team also points out that although the articles describe the results of interviews with parents, the E4Kids study has not conducted any parent interviews. These reports describe results from another study conducted in Queensland by the Queensland University of Technology concerning families who do not access licensed services. The University of Melbourne is not involved in this study.
In fact, an early analysis conducted by E4Kids of programs in Victoria and Queensland using 2010 data on a sample of long day care, family day care and preschool/kindergarten settings found (on average):
- medium to high levels of emotional support for children
- medium to high levels of organisational support for children’s learning within these programs.
More information about this analysis.
E4Kids is a five-year study. Data analysis is at an early stage. It is inappropriate to make summary statements about the nature of Australian ECEC programs until the analysis is completed. To draw conclusions from the research at this stage is hazardous and likely to lead to unbalanced evaluations.
Results from the E4Kids study will be made available during 2012 after they have been validated though our defined review process. Press releases will be made available through The University of Melbourne and Queensland University of Technology websites.
Media Inquiries to Catriona May, Melbourne Graduate School of Education: telephone 03 8344 3357 / 0435 960 030 email: catriona.may@unimelb.edu.au
More information about E4Kids.