Page 4083 - Week 09 - Thursday, 26 August 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
As Ms Burch said, when discussing childcare, Mrs Dunne’s focus appears to be predominantly on the costs of childcare. She does not talk about the children in childcare centres or what their needs are. She constantly misses the point or does not care that improving quality in early childcare education and care means better outcomes for children. As Ms Hunter and Ms Burch have said, we are outlining the value of quality childcare. Even Mr Hanson noted the importance of quality childcare to him.
Childcare is not babysitting but, rather, a vital early intervention program that provides an alternative to the home environment in an environment that can be and should be both stimulating and educational. Quality childcare is a critical factor to enable workforce participation, as Mr Hanson pointed out, particularly in the ACT where we have the highest number of women participating in the workforce.
The scientific evidence and research on the importance of providing quality learning environments for children, particularly in their first three years of life, are now undeniable and beyond dispute. As a society, we demand quality in our teachers and schools, so why should we not demand the same high standards for our children aged less than five years? That is especially so when we know their brains are so amenable to respond positively to environments and relationships that foster their healthy growth and development.
Ms Hunter has outlined support from parents for the provision of quality childcare, even though it could mean a modest increase in fees. What this all means is that quality childcare, such as lower child-staff ratios and improved staff qualifications, means improved quality outcomes for children, particularly for those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.
I draw the Assembly’s attention to the fact that there are currently 247 licensed childcare services providing 15,561 childcare places across the territory. This covers childcare places and long day care, family day care, independent preschools, playschools and school-age care. During 2010, we have seen an increase of 436 places becoming available in long day care on top of an increase of 666 in 2009. This means an approximate increase of 1,000 places over the last two years.
It is difficult to determine the true demand for childcare places, as many parents place their names on more than one waiting list. They do so for many reasons: to keep their options open, to develop a rapport with individual services, to assess the nature and the feel of the different centres and also to ensure there is flexibility for them when they may actually require the care when they return to work. I believe that is why Mrs Dunne’s only suggestion for improving child care—being the creation of a centralised waiting list database—will not work, and you heard Ms Burch refer to that earlier.
Families are assisted, however, by information that is available through a childcare management system website on vacancy data, which is collected by the Australian government. A recent report published by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations reported 890 vacancies across 105 centre-based long day care services in the ACT in the September quarter 2009. It has not been the role of
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video