The capacity for parents to work is highly dependent on access to education and care. Families need to be able to access quality education and care in their local communities.
And it needs to suit their hours of work. Not all families can access education and care services. Families in some locations, particularly those in lower socio-economic areas and rural and regional areas, have limited access to education and care.
Our education and care system is built on a quality framework that provides parents with assurance of the safety and quality of service provision. Despite workforce shortages it is imperative that this system remains, so that children’s safety and learning and development is not adversely affected. Research demonstrates that low-quality education and care can negatively impact children’s longer-term outcomes.
Current ratios are in place so that children receive high-quality education and care. Current ratios also mean that staff are given adequate support, work hours, and workloads. Maintaining ratios is essential to both child wellbeing and staff job retention.
Explore the ITAV, CELA and ELAA Select Committee on Work and Care Submission
It Takes A Village (ITAV) was formerly known as Community Child Care Association (CCC).
