Building an International Research Collaboration in Early Childhood Education and Care : Background Materials for a Workshop funded by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY)

Abstract

At the conclusion of its thematic review into Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) policy and provision in 2006, the OECD called on researchers to use its findings as a springboard for research. In particular, it called for ‘further cross-national work, focusing on … critical issues and challenges’ including: the rationale for different ways of organizing ECEC policy and provision; the balance of investment between parental leave and services for infants and toddlers; responses to the shortages of skilled and qualified staff; how best to promote parent engagement in ECEC; and how policy can help parents to balance paid work and family life. In response to this call, an international network of scholars and non-government organisations has been established. The aim of the network is to encourage policy-relevant research across and between Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Sweden. This reports contains (i) A review of recent academic and policy-relevant literature addressing debates of particular relevance to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom. (ii) A series of ‘Policy Audits’ setting out key demographic data and describing the major policies relating to early childhood education and care in the five countries under consideration.