Are there any Unintended Consequences of Service Integration to Consider?: A Study of Early Years Sector Perspectives. Issue 3 (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harris, Paul; Cartmel, Jennifer; Macfarlane, Kym
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal of early childhood. Volume 40:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 4
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Early childhood education -- Periodicals; Child care services -- Periodicals; Early childhood education -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Child care services -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Child care services; Child development; Early childhood education; Australasia; Periodicals; 372.21
• DOI: 10.1177/183693911504000302
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1836-9391

Abstract

THIS STUDY WAS PART OF a broader project to identify best practice models for an integrated early childhood service being delivered as part of a new community service precinct. The planned development will integrate residential development, places of work, a 'town square' and community services and infrastructure. Semi-structured interviews with 11 internal and external stakeholders informed discussion of opportunities and risks as part of the development of an integrated early years' service model. Overall results indicated general agreement regarding understandings of integrated practice and implications for the proposed model. Key informants emphasised potential community benefits and the importance of place-based approaches, as well as governance issues, organisational considerations, change management issues, workforce issues and the importance of effective leadership. Despite a paucity of available guidance in the published literature, a number of key risks were identified, which as discussed, suggest greater consideration and investigation of possible unintended consequences is required.