Days after The Parenthood took out full-page advertisements in Sydney newspapers and following combined efforts of providers, educators and parents, the Federal Government has announced a funding support package for early learning providers impacted by covid.
Executive Director Georgie Dent said the full details of the package were still being assessed but parents welcomed the emergency financial package for early learning and childcare providers and wanted more investment in the long-term sustainability of the sector.
“The Parenthood welcomes the support package announced today as a vital emergency support for early childhood education and care services,” Dent said.
“These services are essential infrastructure for our community and economy and it’s a huge relief for parents, educators and providers that there is finally some assistance being provided. We look forward to the federal government’s ongoing commitment to monitor and tweak the rescue response as required.”
“It is disappointing that it has taken eight weeks in lockdown in Greater Sydney and for parts of the sector to be pushed to the brink for this crisis to warrant a response from the Federal Government.
“Early learning providers and educators deserve so much respect and security from our political leaders as they are frontline essential services that have supported Australia through this pandemic.
“It is not acceptable for a sector as valuable and critical as early education and care to be this vulnerable in a crisis.
“We need the Federal Government to start looking at how we fund and deliver early education in a way that is more sustainable, secure and creates better outcomes for children, families and educators.
“What Australia needs and deserves is a universally accessible, high-quality and affordable early learning system.
“Investing in the ongoing sustainability of high quality early learning now and in the long-term will benefit children, support parents wanting to get back to work and stimulate the economy. It’s never been more essential,” Dent said.