ACA affordable accessible Early Childhood Education & Care for Indigenous communities

The following text is lifted from an ACA Media Release - Monday 26th September 2022:

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Australia’s peak body for private long day early learning services, the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) has commended the Albanese Government’s commitment to provide all Indigenous children with 36 hours of subsidised early learning (child care) a fortnight from July 2023.

“We strongly support the new reforms to improve access for Indigenous children, as removing the barriers to high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) for children from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds has always been a priority for the ACA,” ACA President Paul Mondo said.

The ACA has been advocating for the government to simplify the application process for families to access subsidised early learning for some time now, with a strong recommendation to remove the complexities of the activity test for the benefit of all children and families.

“The activity test creates an unecessary barrier to greater ECEC participation and positive learning  outcomes as well as workforce participation,’ Mr Mondo explained. “We therefore hope this is the first step in reforming the activity test to ensure that subsidised access is available for all children.”

The benefits of high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) are now well recognised. Children who enjoy quality early learning 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.

These benefits flow on to our families, the wider community and the Australian economy.

“ACA will continue to engage all levels of government to ensure that that every child in Australia has the best start in life, regardless of their parents’ circumstances or where they live.” Mr Mondo concluded.

Media enquiries:

ACA President, Paul Mondo 0411 587 170

ACA Vice President, Nesha Hutchinson 0412 085 068