childcare

The NSW government has promised a $5 billion investment in childcare, as well as improvements to paid parental leave for the public sector.

Without urgently stemming the loss of the early learning and care workforce – with decent pay and conditions – there will be no early childhood education and care.

Free childcare would generate $48billion per year, 255,000 full time jobs in the sector & free up the equivalent of 850,000 ft workers.

The government’s changes to paid parental leave will not support gender equality, while childcare costs were ignored in the budget.

Affordable childcare could help boost the superannuation of Australian women, who are currently retiring with one third less super than men.

Parents of young kids hoping for an easier start to the working year have already been dealt a blow with childcare centres closing.

A council has voted to sell off buildings and effectively close three community-run childcare centres operating in St Kilda, Elwood and Balaclava.

The fact parents actually need a ‘buy now pay later’ service for early childhood education and care highlights just how broken the system is.

This week, childcare centres will close to all families, except for children who have at least one authorised worker parent in Victoria.

We hear from an early childhood educator who is sick of her profession barely rating a mention when it comes to what’s being asked of them.

The waiving of childcare gap fees is very much welcomed, but what about prioritising vaccinating our teachers?