Early years
We’re working to support early development for children in families experiencing poverty. This is one of the most important things we can do to minimise disadvantage across generations.
There is a well-documented link between children living with or at risk of poverty and lifelong disadvantage.
The evidence is also clear that a strong start in early childhood with assistance from a well-designed, equitable and accessible early childhood development system is one of the most effective ways of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Our research informs BSL’s practice and policy development with strategies that support children and families in overcoming the impacts of poverty.
Find all recent publications on Early years (2000–present)
Visit the BSL library for our prior research on Early years (pre 2000)
• Boost support to build the capacity of parents as first teachers and strengthen the home learning environment.
• Extend universal preschool access to the two years before school across Australia, prioritising communities and children experiencing disadvantage.
• Increase participation of children living with or at risk of poverty in early learning. Strengthen access and equity measures and expand the base entitlement for Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Invest in multi-generation approaches to tackle child and family poverty. Extend place-based models that align education, employment, health and wellbeing support for children and their families.
External publication (with Victorian Department of Education and Training)
Australian Council for Educational Research and BSL 2018, Early years transitions: supporting children and families at risk of experiencing vulnerability – rapid literature review
Selected publications
How has becoming and being a parent affected the economic security and financial wellbeing of participants in our Life Chances longitudinal study?
Read reportRelated projects
This national longitudinal study examines the outcomes for over 600 children and families who took part in HIPPY between 2016 and 2018.
Learn moreLooking for services related to early years?
Our approach to working with people with disability focuses on building a sense of wellbeing and autonomy. We recognise the importance of family, friends, carers and community.
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