71% of Centre Directors say they have seen a significant increase in staff leaving the sector since the pandemic began*
73% of Educators are planning to leave the sector within 2 – 3 years*
84% of educators would find it difficult to cover an unexpected, emergency $400 expense*
With critical workforce shortages across the country education and care centres are being forced to close, reduce hours, or accept less children. This in turn not only means limiting the number of places available for children so that parents essentially cannot work, but also affects children’s learning, development and emotional wellbeing.
As the Federal Election draws closer and we are bombarded with campaign messages, it’s time to make sure that the Education and Care sector is a priority on the agenda.
A problem in our workforce means a problem for every working family
We need the government to back what is needed to enable childcare to survive – primarily increases in educators wages and more training and support.
This article from The Sector can save you time researching what each major party is about before you hit the polling booths – “Federal Election 2022 where do major parties stand on early childhood education and care”
Community Early Learning Australia also recently hosted a forum where members had the opportunity to speak to politicians and hear what each party had planned for the sector. You can watch the full recording here.
Reference:
Big Steps Report. United Workers Union. (2021, August 9)Exhausted, undervalued and leaving: the crisis in early education.
