Early learning: Every child deserves access now. Here’s how we can make that happen

Abstract

<p>The Final Report from the Productivity Commission (PC) into Early Childhood Education and Care was released last week. This two-part series unpacks the Commission's proposed road map that involves many stages over the next 12 years to achieve universal access to early learning.</p> <p>This is where all children can attend three days a week, regardless of location, ethnicity, special educational needs, family income, or parent's work or study schedules. Universal access is critical because research shows access to early learning improves children's chances of a good start to school and increases their ability to flourish into adulthood.</p> <p>The PC said the recent improvements in wages through the Fair Work Commission will assist with the attraction and retention of educators. The Commission states these recent rises are only one step and that future awards need to consider the 20 per cent pay difference and poorer conditions between the school and early learning sectors, even for educators with the same qualifcations. It also recommends registration be the same to improve status for early childhood educators.</p> <p>These are all excellent recommendations, but many educators continue to leave a sector in crisis before the recommendations are implemented.</p>