A new study suggests early childhood education could double the return on its investment.

The study looked at the benefits to Australia of early learning in the year before school.

It found that families could see a collective return of $1.4 billion in earnings for parents that are able to return to work.

It also forecasts a $319 million boost in productivity from a more educated workforce, and that children would earn up to $1 billion more in lifetime earnings.

The study comes from The Front Project, which advocates for better outcomes for children, but was conducted by business advisory firm PwC.

Front Project CEO Jane Hunt says early learning has life-long effects.

“As well as that, the report bolsters the argument quality early education should be expanded to children two years out from school,” she said.