Better access to early childhood education is one of the government’s core policies,but the sector worries it will just increase demand when it is already struggling to cope.
For many,the beach holiday was a joy of childhood,For this landlubber,it’s been a slow burn.
It’s a conundrum facing many regional communities – schools need teachers and local businesses need staff,but those willing to work can’t because childcare is scarce and housing is too expensive for workers in the sector.
I’m a kindergarten teacher of 25 years. Following lockdowns,the gorgeous kids who joined us this year have needed more from us. More cuddles,more guidance,more support and more skill development.
Hundreds of early learning educators walk off the job and thousands protest as the childcare sector struggles to cope with nationwide staff shortages.
The number of people enrolling in tertiary early education courses has tumbled dramatically in recent years,adding pressure on a sector that is struggling to meet the demand for qualified staff.
Experts say worker shortages need to be overcome if governments want to set Australia up as the best place in the world to raise a child.
Childcare staff are in short supply and more centres are struggling to find enough qualified educators to meet their obligations.
Children rely on their grandparents,and research reveals that we’re failing to recognise just how much they treasure them.
United Workers’ Union delegates voted to walk off the job in September to demand that qualified staff be paid on par with primary school teachers.
Parents are racing to find suitable childcare after the council voted to close an Out of School Hours (OOSH) centre with just five weeks’ notice despite community protest.