United Voice News
Survey reveals parents support quality childcare
New research by LHMU, the childcare union, shows over 90% of parents support childcare reform and 84% would support a small increase in fees if it led to better education and care.
In a clear contradiction to recent scaremongering of certain childcare provider groups, a new survey has found not only do more than 90% of parents support the Government’s proposed quality reforms in childcare; they are willing to pay slightly higher fees to support them.
The survey commissioned by LHMU surveyed more than 1500 parents over the last week. The research found 90% of parents support the proposed changes to childcare – which will be gradually phased in over coming years.
The changes will bring standardised qualifications for professionals in the sector and increase the number of childcare professionals for each child; ensuring children have better access to qualified professionals. Improved staffing begins in 2012, with a certificate III qualification becoming the entry level required for the profession by 2014.
Pouring cold water on recent suggestions by provider groups and the Liberal Party, the survey found that 84% of parents support small fee increases to support these improvement to quality education and care.
When asked to give an exact figure, 41.8% said they would be willing to pay somewhere in the region of $1-$5 a day, with 37.8% of respondents willing to spend more than $5.
According to figures from the Federal Government, the national average increase will be $3.10 a day after subsidies like the childcare rebate.
Sue Lines, Assistant National Secretary, LHMU says: “This survey proves parents see quality childcare as an important issue and are willing to pay a small amount more to get the best start in life for their children.
‘’This is underlined by the fact that the vast majority of people are willing to pay the same or more than the government expects these quality reforms to costs.”
Jane Cockrell, 42, from Balmain and a mother of two children, both of whom attend a childcare centre, says “The big thing for my children is continuity of care – they really like to see the same childcare professional regularly. If these changes are going to give the childcare worker more time with my kids, I’m willing to pay a couple of dollars extra a day.”
