Providers would … have to agree to not increase their fees beyond operational costs, so as not to punish families.
“We know that quality early childhood education and care is dependent on having a qualified and professional workforce,” Mr Garrett said.
“We have listened to the sector and to parents and we are pleased to introduce this fund to help attract and retain qualified staff,” he said.
Simon Benson, Daily Telegraph (19/3/2013)
A qualified win for the Big Steps campaign. $300 million for some of the sector is certainly less than the ask for professional wages for the whole sector.
But the important thing in this announcement is the Government’s acknowledgement that supporting educators is crucial to ensuring quality outcomes for children. This could be the starting point for much larger reforms.
Liam McNicholas 