CCS Evaluation Report Sheds Light On Effect Of CCS On Families

The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) continues to call for a revision of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) parameters so that all families qualify for 18 hours per week of subsidised access to early learning services.

Following the recent release of an evaluation report commissioned by the Department of Education (DoE), ACA, Australia’s peak body for private long day early learning services, says the report confirms that approximately one third of families are better off financially under the new system.

“ACA acknowledges that a significant number of working families are better off as a result of the implementation of the CCS.” Vice President Nesha Hutchinson said.

“This is a wonderful outcome and we applaud the government for their dedication to the early learning sector, and positive outcomes for Australian families.” 

However the report indicates that while the CCS has had a positive impact on some families, it has had a negative impact on others, with many families are experiencing higher costs.

“ACA is concerned about those families experiencing higher costs, along with those that the CCS does not support.” Ms Hutchinson said. “The report indicates a higher rate of increased costs in regional and rural areas along with outer metropolitan areas, where low-income families live. We’re particularly concerned that vulnerable and disadvantaged families may struggle to afford early learning services.”

Children who enjoy quality early learning services are likely to be well socialised, confident, inquisitive about the world, accepting of diversity, resilient to manage challenges and also to be life-long learners.

“ACA believes that every child in Australia should have access to high quality, affordable and sustainable early learning services, including our most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.” Ms Hutchinson explained.

ACA would like to see by all families given access to 18 hours a week of subsidised high quality, affordable early learning services.

“We believe the cost to government for extending this subsidy to all at the base level would be relatively small, and it is likely that the savings from reducing the red tape and government administration of the activity test would offset this new cost.” Ms Hutchinson said.

ACA believes that with the right policy and financial frameworks in place, Australia could be a world leader in the delivery of high quality early learning services within 10 years.

“We welcome the opportunity to engage with the government and all sides of politics, with a view to ensuring that every child in Australia has access to high quality, affordable and sustainable early learning services, and therefore the best start in life.” Ms Hutchinson concluded.