Proportionate Universality

On average, disadvantaged children have poorer outcomes,

However, most vulnerable children are in

the middle class

SocioeconomicDisadvantage

SocioeconomicAdvantage

High

Low

HELPSES Index

= 5 Vulnerable kids

Vulnerable children are distributed across neighbourhoods and the SES spectrum

High

Low

HELPSES Index

= 5 Vulnerable kids

Targeting programs towards low SESleave many vulnerable children without access

The Gradient in ECD

DisadvantagedNeighbourhoods

AdvantagedNeighbourhoods

Highvulnerability

Lowvulnerability

SES

EDI

What does it take to reduce inequality?

DisadvantagedNeighbourhoods

AdvantagedNeighbourhoods

Highvulnerability

Lowvulnerability

SES

EDI

Targeted programs?

DisadvantagedNeighbourhoods

AdvantagedNeighbourhoods

Highvulnerability

Lowvulnerability

SES

EDI

Vulnerability may be reduced for targeted groups

Majority of vulnerable children receive no benefit

Universal programs?

DisadvantagedNeighbourhoods

AdvantagedNeighbourhoods

Highvulnerability

Lowvulnerability

SES

EDI

Potential to steepen the gradient

Barriers to access mayprevent all from benefiting

Infrastructure Barriers• Program or service is not available• Cost• Transportation • Time offered• Language spoken• Fragmentation• Lack of Information

Relational or Value Based Barriers• Conflicting Expectations• Social Distance• Parental Consciousness

Common Barriers

PROPORTIONATE UNIVERSALITY

Universal access at a scale and intensity that addresses barriers at every level

DisadvantagedNeighbourhoods

AdvantagedNeighbourhoods

Highvulnerability

Lowvulnerability

SES

EDI

Gradient flattened at both ends of the SES spectrum, but proportionate to level of risk