What makes a childhood good? Every parent wants their kids to be safe, and for their childhoods to set them up for a productive and fulfilling adulthood. But what about the childhood itself? How do we make sure every child in Australia gets to truly be a kid? Universal childcare might be the answer...

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Do you ever wish you could be a kid again?

Remember the freedom of childhood – no job, no responsibilities, no worries... if you were lucky. In the lucky country, every child should have the opportunity to grow, explore and learn free from worry. But how?

Philosopher Luara Ferracioli says universal access to early childhood education and care is the key. Universal ECEC would make sure every Australian child gets an equitable education, as well as access to a social life beyond their own families.

Luara explains the ‘inherent goods of childhood,’ why they’re crucial for a flourishing childhood, and how universal childcare makes sure those goods are available to all children.

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The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.

This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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