2 June 2015 | General Interest
Industry leaders within the childcare sector have voiced concerns about the Federal Government’s Families Package.
Many organisations have applauded the increased investment in early childhood education and care and the introduction of a much-simpler childcare subsidy system. However, there is common concern that the new measures will limit a child’s access to early childhood education based on their family situation.
“It concerns us that children from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds will have their access to early learning cut under the proposed package.
“While the package represents a significant and welcome reform, there is more work to be done.”
– Bernie Nott, CEO of Early Childhood Management Services.
“We are concerned that workforce participation objectives have been placed ahead of the interests of children in the package. It is often the children whose parents aren’t working that benefit the most from access to quality early learning.”
– Samantha Page, CEO of Early Childhood Australia.
“All children should have access to a safety net of two days access to early learning, and we are concerned that some children will see their access reduced or cut completely.”
“If children start school behind, they tend to say behind and finish school not ready for the workforce. Access to early learning improves school readiness and later life outcomes.”
– Julia Davison, CEO of Goodstart Early Learning.
On announcement from the Federal Government, SNAICC Chairperson Sharron Williams said package benefits had been unfairly distributed, and punished “those children who need support most”.
To read more of Ms Williams comments download the SNAICC media release.
To read more responses to the Families Package from the childcare sector, download the following media releases:
