How Significant is Partnership Formation in Area-Based Projects to Increase Parental Attendance at Maternal and Child Health Services?

Objectives: In this study, we assess the importance of area-based partnerships in an initiative to improve access to Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services (known as Best Start) in socially disadvantaged communities in Victoria, Australia. Methods: The study assessed changes in MCH attendance rates, parental attitudes and local partnership formation before and after the introduction of Best Start projects. Partners involved in Best Start projects were surveyed regarding the extent of local partnership formation (before 54; after 84). Data was collected for MCH attendance using routine records for Best Start with MCH projects (before 1,739; after 1437) and the rest of the State (before 45,497; after 45,953). Two cross-sectional surveys of parents of 3-year old children were used to assess changes in parent's knowledge about, and confidence in using relevant services as well as parental confidence more generally (before 1666; after 1838). Results: Best Start was significantly associated with improving: levels of partnership formation (5 of 7 relevant factors) attendance at the 3.5 year MCH visit in Best Start Sites with MCH projects between 2001/02-2004/05. parent's access to information (partnership effect); confidence about attending the 3.5 year MCH visits (partnership effect); and overall parental confidence (project effect only). Conclusion: Best Start improves participation in the MCH attendance. This is related most directly to improving parent's access to information and overall parental confidence either through local partnership or direct project effects

The effects of an area-based intervention on the uptake of maternal and child health assessments in Australia: A community trial

Background Recognition of the importance of the early years in determining health and educational attainment and promotion of the World Health Organization Health for All (HFA) principles has led to an international trend towards community-based initiatives to improve developmental outcomes among socio-economically disadvantaged children. In this study we examine whether, Best Start, an Australian area-based initiative to improve child health was effective in improving access to Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services. Methods The study compares access to information, parental confidence and annual 3.5 year Ages and Stages visiting rates before (2001/02) and after (2004/05) the introduction of Best Start. Access to information and parental confidence were measured in surveys of parents with 3 year old children. There were 1666 surveys in the first wave and 1838 surveys in the second wave. The analysis of visiting rates for the 3.5 year Ages and Stages visit included all eligible Victorian children. Best Start sites included 1,739 eligible children in 2001/02 and 1437 eligible children in 2004/05. The comparable figures in the rest of the state were and 45, 497 and 45, 953 respectively. Results There was a significant increase in attendance at the 3.5 year Ages and Stages visit in 2004/05 compared to 2001/02 in all areas. However the increase in attendance was significantly greater at Best Start sites than the rest of the state. Access to information and parental confidence improved over the course of the intervention in Best Start sites with MCH projects compared to other Best Start sites. Conclusion These results suggest that community-based initiatives in disadvantaged areas may improve parents' access to child health information, improve their confidence and increase MCH service use. These outcomes suggest such programmes could potentially contribute to strategies to reduce child health inequalities

A new era in early years learning

Bridie Raban explains the impact of changes to Australian early childhood education legislation that come into effect in 2012, for which ACER has conducted an evaluation

Early literacy

Chapter 12 discusses early literacy and considers the significance of the role of the educator in children’s early literacy learning. Educators will understand the importance of a wide range of relevant activities within a play-based program that will support young children’s early literacy development during the years before school. An evidence-informed discussion about children’s early reading and writing experiences, and ideas are shared about the ways educators can encourage and support young children to develop a literacy focus within their programs is provided.https://research.acer.edu.au/strong-foundations/1011/thumbnail.jp

Early childhood education policies in Australia

This chapter introduces, explores and analyzes Australian policies with respect to early childhood education (ECE)

Introduction: Early childhood education and care in challenging times

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the book, focusing on how the book came about, and the intention for educators and professionals to have an opportunity to revisit and revitalise practice. As the book has deliberately selected the term evidence-informed, instead of evidence-based, a rationale is provided for this focus.https://research.acer.edu.au/strong-foundations/1000/thumbnail.jp

Introduction: Early childhood education and care in challenging times

Chapter 1 is an introduction to the book, focusing on how the book came about, and the intention for educators and professionals to have an opportunity to revisit and revitalise practice. As the book has deliberately selected the term evidence-informed, instead of evidence-based, a rationale is provided for this focus.https://research.acer.edu.au/strong-foundations/1000/thumbnail.jp