United Voice News
New National Childhood Strategy: Staff key to making quality a reality
Childcare professionals and adequate funding will be critical to implementing the National Early Childhood Development Strategy and the Early Years Learning Framework launched by the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Childcare this afternoon, The Hon Kate Ellis MP.
Sue Lines, Assistant National Secretary of LHMU - The childcare union says:
"After years of chronic neglect and crisis, frankly, it is a relief to see Australian Governments working together to fix what has become the mess of early childhood education and care (ECEC) and workers and families have been paying the price.
"Our initial response to the options released today is positive, although some are better than others.
“Of course, the devil may be in the detail. We will work to ensure standards are raised across the country. It will be important that no child or worker will be worse off, especially if they live in a state where some existing conditions exceed proposed new standards.
"Options to improve staff-to-child ratios are a step in the right direction and come close to meeting evidence based best practice which is:
· Under twos : 1 staff member to every 3 children
· Two to three year olds : 1 staff member to every 5 children
· Three to five year olds : 1 staff member to every 8 children
"We welcome the proposal to improve formal qualification levels in the sector. Childcare professionals recognise the importance of upskilling and have campaigned on this before and since the November 2007 federal election. It is a critical component in our BIG STEPS in childcare campaign.
"Childcare workers work hard for very little pay. To achieve the new qualification levels governments must provide support to this key part of the sector. Without this support childcare professionals will be unable to meet any increased expectations.
"We look forward to working with government on developing a mechanism for ensuring the best option is put in place. Whatever standards are decided upon must be achieved fairly with support for existing staff so that experienced and talented professionals can continue to contribute to the sector they love.
"We welcome today's announcement by the Minister and are ready to work with her and her state and territory counterparts on developing better quality care and education that is every young child's right," says Sue Lines.
