Towards the development of a national agenda for early childhood submission : submission to the Commonwealth Task Force on Child Development, Health and Wellbeing

Abstract

Towards the development of a national agenda for early childhood Submission to the Commonwealth Task Force on Child Development, Health and Wellbeing

June 2003

1

Introduction Early childhood is a crucial period in human development, during which the foundations for future wellbeing are established. In its mission of working for an Australia free of poverty, the Brotherhood of St Laurence acknowledges the importance of providing comprehensive services and supports to children and their parents during these critical early years, not just for their immediate benefits, but also to prevent the development of future difficulties. At present, early childhood services across Australia are characterised by a lack of integration and coordination (OECD 2001). Three levels of government, operating through a number of program areas (e.g. health, community services, education) are involved in policy, funding and regulation and a range of providers are responsible for services.