| Best Practice Business |
Proposed Changes to Staff Ratios & Qualifications
Take our mini poll and tell us what you think about the proposed changes
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 The Federal Government's Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth Kate Ellis, has announced plans for a $22 million reform of child care centres which the Government says will improve quality of care in terms of staff numbers, qualifications and facilities.
'The Government wants carers to boost their qualifications and intends to push for lower staff-to-child ratios and tougher quality standards so parents can make informed choices about where they send their kids,' said Ms Ellis.
Some of the proposed changes include:
- One staff member for five two-year olds down from one carer to eight
- One staff member for four infants under two down from one carer to five
- All centres with 25 children or more will be required to employ a university-trained teacher
- All staff working with children will need at least a Certificate III level qualification (or be enrolled to study by the end of 2013.
While many centres across Australia already operate with lower staff to child ratios than defined by law for others the proposed reforms will mean increased operating costs and increased fees.
Reports on how much the fee increases could amount on a daily/weekly basis vary however an analysis conducted by Access Economics estimated they would add around $4 per child per week to the cost of child care.
The proposed reforms are part of a Rudd Government election promise and will be discussed at a Council of Australian Governments meeting in early December.
Some private child care providers have warned the Federal Government that tens of thousands of child care places could be lost due to the new reforms while the Australian Childcare Alliance and the Childcare Associations of Australia welcomed improved quality but warned it came at a price.
What do you think? Click here to take our mini poll.
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Senate Report
Inquiry into the provision of childcare
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 A year long Senate inquiry into child care called after the collapse of ABC Learning has just concluded and a list of recommendations has been presented to the Government.
Among other things the Senate's Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee has recommended additional funding for child care providers and the establishment of a statutory body to advise the Government on child care.
We've summarised the main recommendations below. It will be interesting to see how many of them are adopted by the Government in 2010.
» Read the recommendations…
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Association Merger
Victoria's CCCAV & VPCCA to merge |
 Child Care Centres Association Victoria (CCCAV) and the Victorian Private Child Care Association (VPCCA) have announced they will amalgamate as of 1 January 2010.
Mr Frank Cusmano from CCCAV and Ms Judy Clarkson from VPCCA said the move would be a positive change for Victoria.
"We believe that the amalgamation of the two Victorian Associations is in the best interest for child care in Victoria, giving us a larger number base Association allowing a stronger representative voice across the state," they said.
For more information visit CCAV or VPCCA
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ABC Purchase Proposal
Union rejects private equity company
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 The union which represents child care workers has rejected moves by a private equity company to buy the remaining 705 ABC Learning Centres claiming the 'future of children is at stake'.
Private equity firm Archer Capital and a consortium of charities led by Mission Australia are reportedly the two parties most interested in buying the remaining centres.
The LHMU rejected Archer Capital's proposal after a meeting with the private equity firm at the end of November.
LHMU Assistant National Secretary Sue Lines said union representatives went to the meeting with an open mind but were bitterly disappointed by what they heard:
» Read the full article…
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| Child Care People |
Interview
Catherine Pace
Winner of the 2008-09 Fisher Price Child Care Worker of the Year
Oakville Preschool Learning Centre NSW
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 Child care professionals share a commitment to improving society by creating dynamic and nurturing care environments for Australia's youngest learners.
Read this month's Child Care Person in the spotlight Winner of the 2008-09 Fisher Price Child Care Worker of the Year from Oakville Preschool Learning Centre NSW.
» Read the interview…
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 If you or someone you know deserves to be featured in this section drop us a line at editor@careforkids.com.au.
Each child care person we profile will receive a copy of Play School Collection (3 DVD set) for their service.
Courtesy of ABC Kids and Roadshow Entertainment. |
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