January 2012 - Media Release - Biggest reform of Australian childcare begins today: Babies will be the big winners in 2012 thanks to new early childhood reforms that come into effect on 1 January, ensuring there is one staff member for every four babies now in childcare.
This is the first of the Federal Government’s major reforms to the childcare sector and ushers in a new era of early childhood education and care that focuses on what is best for children, helping them to grow and learn.
Early Childhood Australia CEO Pam Cahir said the reforms were significant, but thankfully many childcare services were already implementing them so costs to parents would be minimal.
“The new 1:4 ratio for children under 24 months means they will now get a higher quality of care and be able to develop the relationships that are so vital to a young child’s development.”
From 1 January all services will also begin to be assessed against the new National Quality Standard.
“This means all early childhood services will receive a rating following an assessment by a qualified assessor.
“The rating system will eventually provide information to parents and assure them that the service they use is meeting the high standards expected in this day and age.
“The reforms really are win-win. Parents will be much...
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There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt St
There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff
