National focus on early learning will be strengthened by new measuring tool

The Australian Government, states and territories announced today that a trial of a new Preschool Outcomes Measure (POM) will begin in 2025.

The POM is a key reform being jointly progressed by the Australian, state and territory governments and will aid early childhood teachers and educators to monitor and report on the learning and development of preschool aged children across Australia.

“Following on from key recent initiatives such as the National Early Years strategy, the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Early Childhood Education, and the Draft National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy, the announcement of the POM further illustrates that Australia is serious about harnessing the benefits of quality early childhood education and care,” said ELAA Early Learning Association Australia (ELAAA) Interim CEO, Teri Smith.

CLICK HERE to read the full media release.

Universal childcare won’t happen in a ‘click of the fingers’ but there’s something we can do right now

The Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly, was correct when she recently said that creating a universal childcare system was “… not something that I can just click my fingers and happen overnight.”

Achieving this essential goal is a large and complex policy undertaking but there is one thing that could get the ball rolling now on tackling the problem of ‘childcare deserts’, especially in Australia’s rural and regional areas.

CLICK HERE to read ELAA’s full media release.

ACCC report says community childcare sector delivers for families across Australia

The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) not-for-profit sector is more affordable and accessible for families according to the interim report of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Review into Childcare Pricing, with fees in the for-profit sector on average 7% higher. (more…)

It’s starting to get ‘real’ on early educator wages

The momentum to pay Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) educators a fair wage went up a gear today with the United Workers Union (UWU) lodging their application with the Fair Work Commission for a multi-enterprise agreement. 

“An unstable early childhood workforce has huge implications for Australian children, families, the professional mobility of women, and the economy,” said Acting CEO of Early Learning Australia (ELAA), Megan O’Connell.   (more…)

Migration, fair wages, and a managed market all critical for early childhood in a Care and Support Economy

The launch of a Draft National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy by Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, yesterday is a key step forward to understanding what works to attract and keep workers across the care sector including Early Childhood Education and Care workers. 

 “We know in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) that we rely on migrants, especially for our casual labour pool that dried up during COVID,” said Acting Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) CEO, Megan O’Connell. 

CLICK HERE to view the full media release.

Vic Budget makes it easier for all children to reap the benefits of early learning

The Andrew’s Government Victorian 23–24 Budget reflects its commitment to delivering on the Best Start, Best Life kindergarten reform initiatives while demonstrating the Government is listening to calls to improve access, participation and inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).  

“We are especially pleased to see $18.1 million committed to improving access for children with additional needs including a review of Kindergarten Inclusion Support program,” said ELAA Acting CEO, Megan O’Connell. 

CLICK HERE to read the full media release.

Future generations will thank the Productivity Commission if it ‘gets it right’ on early childhood

All Australian children do not have equal access to early education.  

Despite a wealth of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service providers and funding models across Australia, not every child and family can access what they need to thrive. Indeed, the current system is overly complex and difficult for families to navigate.  

In its submission to the Australian Productivity Commission, Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) has asked that the Government prioritise access and participation by simplifying systems and supporting families to enrol in ECEC.   

CLICK HERE to download our media release.

ELAA recommends action on national early learning masterplan

Currently, there is no overarching national strategy to support the early years in Australia – no plan to ensure all Australian children have the same access to the best quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and no plan to harness the evidence-based benefits of quality early childhood education for all children, families, society, and the economy.

Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) has joined the national response to bridge this gap through a submission to the Commonwealth Government’s ‘Early Years Strategy’.

CLICK to read our full media release

New Vic early years infrastructure announcement presents significant opportunities

The Victorian Government has announced significant infrastructure assistance for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services with the release of new funding guidelines over the weekend. This assistance will take services another step closer to realising the benefits of the Government’s $9 billion ‘Best Start Best Life’ kindergarten reform program. 

Key elements of the infrastructure assistance announcement include …

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Enrolment data shows Vic bucking the trend on kinder

Early Learning Association of Australia (ELAA) welcomes the latest release of the Preschool Australia statistics.

The statistics reveal how many children were enrolled in, and attended, teacher led government funded early childhood education programs (called kindergarten in Victoria) in the year before they attend school.

Overall kindergarten enrolments in Victoria increased by over two percent between 2021 and 2022, bucking the national trend of a decline in kindergarten enrolments.

CLICK to read the full media release.