a coherent system
Coherence is important
The importance of coherence in early learning and child care (ELCC) policy and provision was first recognized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In their 2001 comparative report on early childhood education and care in 12 countries, the OECD identified a lack of coordination and coherence as a major concern.
Three interlinked domains: Affordability, access, and the workforce
A child care system has many parts and interlinked policy domains. In a coherent system, three main domains – affordability, access to services, and the child care workforce – work together to ensure that a universal, high quality ELCC system can develop and function effectively. The three-legged stool shows how a child care system’s components fit together to form a coherent whole to deliver high quality child care for all.
Coherence between child care and other programs
Kindergarten plays a growing care and education role for four- and five-year-olds in Canada, along with before- and after-school child care programs for four- to 12-year-olds. Coherence between these programs and child care – and between child care and the paid parental leave available to most Canadian families – affects quality and parents’ access to child care.
A coherent system
Building a national child-care system requires a coherent, ambitious approach
Policy Options, article, Mar 2021. Canada
Elements of a high quality early learning and child care system
Childcare Resource and Research Unit, article, Sep 2005. Canada
Executive summary: Starting strong – early education and care. Report on an OECD Thematic Review
Childcare Resource and Research Unit, BRIEFing notes, Jul 2001. International
What is the impact of out-of-home integrated care and education settings on children aged 0-6 and their parents?
Evidence for Policy & Practice Information Centre (EPPI Centre) University College London, report, Jan 2004. Europe
A new deal for children?: Re-forming education and care in England, Scotland and Sweden
Bristol University Press, book, Jun 2004. Europe
Integrating child care and early education: A central theme in early learning and care
The Muttart Foundation, report, Oct 2012. Alberta
Kindergarten and parental leave
Parental leave needs an overhaul
Policy Options, article, Feb 2022. Canada
ECEC in Canada 2021: Parental leaves and benefits
Childcare Resource and Research Unit, report, Apr 2023. Canada
20th international review of leave policies and research 2024
International Network on Leave Policies and Research, report, Sep 2024. International
Parental-leave rich and parental-leave poor: Inequality in Canadian labour market based leave policies
Journal of Industrial Relations, article, Sep 2016. Canada
