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Commentary by Larissa Ferrara
ECEC is back in the headlines, too often for the wrong reasons. Negative coverage drowns out what’s working and adds pressure to the educators who show up every day—short‑staffed, stressed and still caring for children. Are there problems in the sector? Of course, as there are in many professions right now. But ECEC is uniquely demanding. Most services work hard to maintain ratios, complete paperwork, and keep children safe, clean, fed and engaged. It is not easy work.
I’ve worked with young children for 18 years, and in ECEC for the last 10 as a teacher and centre director. The shortages we are seeing are the worst I’ve known. Without enough quality educators, how do we maintain high standards? Constant negative headlines and relentless scrutiny take a toll on those still in the profession and deter the new educators we need.
Regulation matters. I’m not against it. But having a regulatory visit is stressful even when you know your team is doing the right thing. The system needs an overhaul that rebuilds trust among educators, families and the wider public.
Years ago, Assessment and Rating visits were introduced to lift quality, provide transparency and uphold standards. They are intended to occur at least every three years. In practice, many services have waited much longer. COVID contributed to delays, but the strain on the system was there before and after. It is also worth being clear about roles: state and territory regulatory authorities (for example, the NSW Department of Education) conduct assessments and visits, while ACECQA oversees the national framework and publishes guidance and ratings.
Transparency is not optional. Centres must self‑report serious incidents to the Department. This includes: a child unaccounted for, a major injury or any medical treatment required, any allegation or exposure to abuse or inappropriate content, and all complaints from parents/carers.
If your child attends a service, you should trust the staff to inform you and the regulator if anything like this occurs. If you do not have that trust, it may be time to find another service. Investigations follow reports, and with serious incidents they will be on‑site within days. If breaches are found, centres will receive warnings, fines, recommendations for rectifications and follow‑up visits. That is all the more reason to support the many services that are doing things right while dealing with workforce shortages and changing expectations.
I do not have a silver bullet. I do know that quality exists across this sector and it needs to be supported, fostered and retained. We need experienced educators to stay. We need new educators to join. We need positive, trusting relationships with families and with our regulators. And we need to stop letting a handful of negative stories define a profession that is essential to children, families and the economy.
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