The Availability and Quality of Early Childhood Education and Care Programs in Low-Socioeconomic-Status Areas

• In Event: 75.060 - Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: 75.060-9 - Politics and Access in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Many countries invest heavily in early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs in attempt to ameliorate disadvantage. This study looks at the availability and quality of ECEC programs in low SES areas to try and explain why the achievement gap remains. Population data is used to demonstrate a relative undersupply of ECEC programs in the most disadvantaged areas. Data from a large study empirically defines the size of the local ECEC market for the first time using geo-spatial analysis. Families from low SES areas, on average travel less than 4km, a 6-minute commute, to reach their choice of ECEC program. These programs, within reach of low-income families, are on average, of lower quality than those in higher SES areas.

Authors

• Dan Cloney, University of Melbourne

• Gordon Cleveland, University of Toronto

• John A.C. Hattie, The University of Melbourne

• Collette Tayler, Univeristy of Melbourne