Earlier this year, the Federal Government put in place some changes to early childhood services as part of the National Partnership for Early Childhood Education and Care that was introduced by the Rudd Government and agreed by the nine governments of Australia (Federal and states) in 2008.
The National Partnership commits all governments to achieving what is referred to as ‘universal access’ to early childhood services through the integration of traditional child care as well as early learning and development. The reason for this is the important recognition that longer term child care has a role and an opportunity to educate children as well as care for them in line with international best practice.
The governments also signed-up to making sure that, by next year, every child has access to 15 hours per week of affordable, quality, early childhood programs in the year before full time schooling, for 40 weeks of the year and delivered by a four year university qualified early childhood teacher.
This doesn’t mean young children sit at a desk learning their times table by rote, but they engage in play-based learning skills that develop their cognitive capacity to sit and listen, and their social and emotional capacity to play and share with friends.
In making this shift, the language has changed from ‘child care’ to ‘early childhood education and care’. The people working in the industry are recognised as ‘educators’ especially in light of the introduction of minimum qualifications for those delivering face to face care and education to children. After all, a four year university qualified teacher is the same standard as those employed in schools.
Motherpedia will look at some of these issues in more depth in coming weeks, as well as look at progress in achieving ‘universal access’, but in the meantime the sector is rallying for more funding.
Each week, almost 200 people working in the sector are leaving due to low wages. With governments now requiring four year degree trained teachers, there is a squeeze on appropriately qualified staff in the first place, compounded by the fact that those working in the early childhood sector are paid less than their counterparts elsewhere in education. For example, a Certificate III trained education assistant earns just $18.58 per hour
But where is the money coming from? $1.4 billion is needed to bring salary levels up to parity. Parents and employers can’t afford to pay more. Governments are committed to achieving a Budget surplus. Perhaps the best - if not only - growth option is to look at reforming the GST and the tax system.
You can show your support for early childhood educators by wearing red and joining them in National Big Steps Day around Australia on Saturday.
As well as supporting a relevant cause, families can enjoy a day’s free entertainment. Big Steps Days are taking place in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gladstone, Hobart, Mackay, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.
Play Schoolpresenter Rhys Muldoon will be part of National Big Steps Day in Sydney.
National Big Steps Day, Saturday 17th November
Find the details for National Big Steps Day in your town or city here:
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