The absolute minimum a parent should expect when dropping off their child at an early childhood education and care centre is that their child will be cared for and safe. But according to shocking allegations, reported on Tuesday, that basic expectation may not have been met for at least some children in Victorian childcare centres.
One educator has been charged with 70 offences, including the sexual penetration of a child under 12, and a range of other serious sexual offences. The known alleged victims are aged between just five months and two years old.
More than 1,200 families have now been advised to have their children tested for infectious diseases due to potential contact with the accused.
It is horrifying. It defies belief. But while this case is still to go through the court process and the accused has yet to enter a plea, many of us already thought that the childcare sector was in crisis. The question is: what are we doing about it?
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Last Friday, education ministers from across the country met. The first item on their agenda? Strengthening child safety and quality in early childhood education and care.
The ministers said: “The safety and protection of children attending Early Childhood Education and Care is the highest priority for all governments.”
Those of us in the sector read that statement – and the weak actions that followed – with disbelief. We knew the agreed actions didn’t go nearly far enough.
Here’s what we should be doing:
Improve educator-to-child ratios to ensure proper supervision
Great centres already staff above the legal minimum, especially in infant rooms where the current ratio is just 1:4. Others stick to the legal minimum and that’s simply not good enough. The ratios should be lifted to 1:3 – and just as importantly, there must be a clear requirement that no educator is ever left alone with a baby. No matter how qualified or experienced they are, supervision should never be a solo responsibility when it comes to our most vulnerable children.
Lift training quality by stamping out quick-churn registered training organisations issuing paper-thin qualifications
When qualifications were primarily delivered through Tafe via face-to-face courses, there were more natural checkpoints – unsuitable candidates were often identified and filtered out before they ever entered a centre. Now, some training providers churn students through quick online courses, offering minimal practicum experience and little scrutiny of whether a person is genuinely suited to work with children.
Raise educators’ wages so that skilled, committed staff stay in the sector
Right now, more than half of all educators have been in the sector for less than three years. When retail and hospitality jobs offer higher wages and less responsibility, it’s easy to understand why people leave. But this churn has consequences: constant turnover creates exactly the kind of instability in which misconduct can go unnoticed. A stable, valued workforce is a safer one – for everyone.
Create safer systems for educators to report concerns without fear or risk
Currently, educators must navigate a patchwork of state-based reporting requirements, often with little support from their employers. Many don’t know where to report, or fear repercussions if they do. A streamlined national system – and creation of a strong “see it, say it” culture embedded in every early education service – would empower educators to act sooner, with confidence that their concerns will be taken seriously.
If someone wanted to harm children, might they be able to work out which settings offer them the best opportunity? The ones running on the bare minimum of staff, with constant turnover, lots of trainees, and as few qualified staff as regulations allow?
Education ministers, do you really think increasing penalties and improving information-sharing between jurisdictions are enough to keep children safe? In the very places families pay for – and governments fund – to nurture and protect them?
Or is it finally time for bold, radical action?
I know what I think.
Lisa Bryant is an advocate for education and care in Australia and a consultant to education and care services
In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. The crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000. International helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org
