The importance of investing in the early years is supported by International and Australian research.

These are just few examples of the vast literature on the topic:

• Harris, W et al (2007). In the best interests of society in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48/3
• Karoly, Lynn et al (2006). Many happy returns: early childhood programs entail costs, but the paybacks could be substantial in Rand Review. Santa Monica: Rand Corporation
• Karoly, Lynn et al (2005). Early Childhood Interventions: Proven Results, Future Promise. Santa Monica: Rand Corporation.
• Karoly, Lynn et al (1998). Investing in Our Children: What We Know and Don't Know About the Costs and Benefits of Early Childhood Intervention. US: Rand Corporation.
• Keating DP & Hertzman C (1999). Developmental Health and the Wealth of Nations. NY: Guilford Press
• Marmot MG (1999). "The solid facts: the social determinants of health" in Health Promotion Journal of Australia, vol 9 (2) pp133-139.
• McCain, Margaret & Mustard, Fraser (1999). The Early Years Study. Ontario: Children's Secretariat.
• National Crime Prevention (1999). Pathways to Prevention: Developmental and Early Intervention Approaches to Crime in Australia. Canberra: National Crime Prevention.
• National Mental Health Strategy (2000). National Action Plan for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health 2000. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
• Olds, D et al (2007). Programs for Parents of Infants and Toddlers: Recent Evidence From Randomized Trials. in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48:3.
• Olds, D & Kitzman, Harriet (1993). 'Review of research on home visiting for pregnant women and parents of young children'. in The Future of children: Home visiting. 3 (3), Winter.
• Olin, S (ed) (2001). Report of the Surgeon General's Conference on Children's Mental Health Status: a National Agenda. US: Department of Health and Human Services.