Centre-based child care quality in urban Australia

Abstract

THIS STUDY INVESTIGATES the quality of childcare centres in urban Australian communities designated according to different bands of Centre Location Demographics (CLD). Childcare centres were assessed using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised Edition (ECERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Extension (ECERS-E). Statistically significant differences were seen in quality on total scores across the five CLD areas. On both scales, middle and partially disadvantaged areas were identified as having substantial disadvantage in terms of childcare centre quality. The provision, and potential impact, of quality regulation and accreditation for childcare centres is discussed.