United Voice News
Jonathan Jackson walks in the shoes of childcare professionals
LHMU, the childcare union, wants politicians in the run up to the federal election to gain a real understanding of the many challenges childcare professionals face. There is no better way to understand this than to see it first hand. So Jonathan Jackson, ALP Candidate for Denison, will spend time in Lady Gowrie Battery Point Childcare Centre ‘‘walking in the shoes’ of a childcare professional.
The "Walk in My Shoes" challenge is a chance for politicians to really experience the life of a childcare professional. They see first hand the outstanding education and care childcare professionals provide and learn how poorly paid they are for the work they do.
Helen Gibbons, LHMU Tasmanian Branch Secretary, said “Future parliamentarians will make decisions about the future of childcare. Our ‘Walk in My Shoes’ challenge is about teaching them the realities of this work. We hope to create a group of childcare champions who can draw on these experiences when contributing to childcare policy and debate.”
Luke Smart, LHMU member, says this is a great way of showing decision makers life on the frontline of childcare. “I expect Jonathan Jackson to walk into the centre like I did when I first started: with a lot of goodwill but no training and no experience. He will get an understanding of how hard that is. It’s a million miles from babysitting and parenting. The experience will reinforce the need to continue to increase training opportunities for childcare staff,” said Luke Smart.
Helen Gibbons said “LHMU hopes this experience will underline to politicians the importance of the proposed improved child-to-childcare professional ratios and continued funding of the sector, as well as just how important it is that childcare professionals have adequate time with children.”
It’s Childcare Professionals Appreciation Week in Tasmania
This is Childcare Professionals Appreciation Week, a time for promoting a better understanding of childcare professionals’ work. Childcare is essential social, community and economic infrastructure. It plays a critical role in children’s development and lifelong wellbeing. Events will be held in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.
