United Voice

Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand launched the campaign at Parliament House tonight.

Ms Morand said the Brumby Government is supporting the aims of the BIG STEPS campaign by providing support for people working in childcare to improve their skills and qualifications.

“There is increasing recognition of the importance of a child’s early years experiences in their long term development and learning outcomes,’’ Ms Morand said.

“Quality childcare with appropriately qualified professionals is really important in supporting the development, care and education of children in child care.

“Victoria’s plan to Improve Outcomes for Early Childhood includes a commitment to improve the number of qualified staff in children’s services across Victoria.

“The LHMU’s focus on workforce reform through the Big Steps in Childcare Campaign complements a range of initiatives the Brumby Government has already introduced,’’ she said.

Measures already introduced by the Brumby Government include scholarships offering Diploma-trained long day care staff with financial incentives to upgrade their qualification to an early childhood teaching degree. Financial incentives are also being offered to recently-graduated early childhood teachers to work in a funded kindergarten program in a long day care centre.

LHMU State Secretary Jess Walsh said childcare is in crisis. Each year one in every of three workers will leave, taking their skills and training with them.

“It’s a huge loss,” said Ms Walsh said.

“High staff turnover is also very stressful for children and undermines the quality of care and education offered to them,” she said.

“But now, for the first time, there is broad consensus among key stakeholders about how to reform the sector and retain these workers.”

“We need to give these workers a real career path, opportunities to develop their skills and gain professional recognition and pay.”

“Children will be the major winners from these reforms. Research shows having qualified staff is a key factor in getting improved outcomes in early childhood education and care.”

“We welcome the Victorian Government’s support.”

The BIG STEPS campaign aims to address this crisis by developing the skills of workers currently in the sector and creating career paths that lead to professional recognition.

BIG STEPS was launched in NSW by Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard on 20 June and has won the support of major stakeholders in the sector, including Early Childhood Australia and the National Association of Community Based Children’s Services.

The campaign comes at critical time for the sector, with federal and state government plans to improve education and care outcomes for under-fives.

The Rudd government has announced plans to build 260 new early childhood centres and provide 15 hours of preschool education to all four year-olds.

The Brumby Government has recognised, as part of its Blueprint for Early Childhood and School Reform, that a high quality workforce is a cornerstone of a quality early childhood sector.