A coalition of 55 early childhood experts has unveiled a bold six-point plan urging governments to take decisive action to restore public trust in Australia’s childcare system. Sparked by revelations from a year-long ABC investigation, the plan responds to widespread concerns about safety, quality, and transparency in early learning environments.
1. Cap Group Sizes by Age
Experts are calling for legally enforceable limits on group sizes per age bracket. The current reliance on ratios alone fails to protect children from overcrowded, chaotic environments. For example:
- No more than 8–10 babies per room
- 12–16 toddlers maximum
- 22–24 preschoolers with three qualified staff
This reform prioritizes emotional safety, developmental needs, and relational care over profit-driven capacity models.
2. Strengthen Oversight and Regulation
The plan demands independent, transparent oversight of childcare providers. This includes:
- Regular audits of staffing, safety, and compliance
- Public reporting of breaches and enforcement actions
- Stronger penalties for systemic failures
Experts argue that current regulatory frameworks are too reactive and fragmented, allowing poor practices to persist.
3. Ensure Transparency in Funding and Fees
Families deserve clarity on where their fees go. The plan proposes:
- Mandatory disclosure of how government subsidies are spent
- Caps on fee increases tied to quality benchmarks
- Public dashboards showing service performance and funding use
This would curb financial opacity and ensure public investment translates into better outcomes for children.
4. Elevate Educator Conditions and Qualifications
Quality care starts with valued, qualified educators. The plan includes
- National standards for educator pay and conditions
- Funded pathways for upskilling and professional development
- Mental health and wellbeing support for staff
Experts warn that burnout and underqualification are undermining the sector’s ability to deliver safe, nurturing care.
5. Embed Child-Centered Quality Standards
The plan calls for a shift from compliance checklists to child-centered indicators of quality, such as:
- Emotional attunement and secure attachments
- Inclusive, culturally responsive programming
- Time for deep play, rest, and connection
This reframes quality as relational and developmental, not just procedural.
6. Empower Families and Communities
Finally, the plan urges governments to center families and communities in reform efforts:
- Co-design policies with parents, educators, and First Nations leaders
- Fund community-led services and culturally safe models
- Create accessible complaint and feedback pathways
Trust can only be rebuilt when families feel heard, respected, and empowered.
This six-point plan is more than a policy wish list; it challenges governments to move beyond surface reforms and tackle the structural inequities that have long plagued the sector.
Reference:
Early Childhood Education Experts Release Six-Point Plan For Government To Restore Public Trust