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Early Childhood Development


CPD’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Initiative aims to elevate children on the national policy agenda by developing a vision for an integrated ECD system that will deliver benefits for children, families and communities, particularly those facing disadvantage. The ECD initiative works with policy-makers, early childhood sector leaders and experts to create space for new, collaborative policy thinking and action. The Initiative comprises two parts:

  • The ECD Council brings together policy-makers and experts to engage with evidence, develop policy options, and share ideas.
  • The Scoping Study translates new and existing evidence into resources and models to inform better policy decisions.

The ECD Council and Scoping Study are working to strengthen the connections between the ECD policy process, and evidence from practice and research.

Latest Articles


Early Childhood Development Council – 4 August 2023

Lachlan Williams - August 2023

The seventh meeting of the Early Childhood Development Council was held in Canberra at Parliament House on Tuesday 29 November 2022. The council brings together senior policymakers from every Australian...

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A brief history of Commonwealth involvement in early childhood education and care in Australia

Lachlan Williams - August 2023

Prior to 1972, long day care was provided by a mix of philanthropic and private organisations, having evolved separately to preschools (which were not considered to meet the needs of...

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White paper on employment: Submission to Treasury

Lachlan Williams - April 2023

CPD's employment white paper submission identifies three major opportunities to advance full employment in Australia

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Ensuring that newly arrived refugees settle effectively into their new local communities across Australia offers a range of great benefits to our society and economy.

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