State and territory governments are pushing the federal government to fund education for three-year-olds.

A new review calls for 15 hours per week of early childhood education, and for child care to have a greater emphasis on education.

The report – commissioned by the states and territories – says current Commonwealth investment in early childhood education is “predominantly directed to facilitate parental workforce participation”.

“The review considers this to be a missed opportunity,” the report says.

“It is possible to reap a double dividend from this investment, to support a child's learning and development as well as a parent's workforce participation.”

State governments will use the report to push for a long-term agreement and commitment to funding from the Commonwealth.

With the current federal funding agreement ending this year, the states and territories say future funding should be decided now.

The report provides evidence that boosting early childhood education has long-term benefits.

“Quality early childhood education and care is best considered as an investment, not a cost,” the report states.

It reviews studies that show investing in early childhood education provides a return of up to four times the cost.

“Almost every other developed nation in the world has come to the same conclusions — almost all invest more than Australian Governments do and provide at least two years of early childhood education. The case for investment is strong,” the report said.

The report also calls for an increase in funding to help meet OECD averages and educate parents about the importance of preschool education and development.