IEU Federal Secretary writes “we know that good quality early child care and education sets the right foundation for children’s further development.”
“Early childhood education and child care services are important in terms of an individual child’s needs for companionship, play opportunities, social and emotional and intellectual development, either through regular care or occasional care,” said Independent Education Union (IEU) Federal Secretary Lynne Rolley
“Extensive research has demonstrated the value of early childhood education, that effective schooling cannot be developed in isolation, that early childhood education is important for subsequent success and schooling should build on the influential pre-school years,” she said.
“We know that good quality early child care and education sets the right foundation for children’s further development.”
“To date, the federal government has not committed the resources or desire to ensure that early childhood education is appropriately supported and nurtured in all childcare arrangements and so the comments by Ms Macklin are welcomed by the union,” said Ms Rolley.
The IEU has sought for some time greater coordination to occur between relevant local, State and federal government departments in the planning of new services; and in the establishment of programs, priorities and the development of partnerships between early childhood providers to ensure there is continuity, consistency and equity of service provision.
“Other recent comments by the Opposition leader Mr Kevin Rudd would seem to indicate a preparedness to look at the issue of coordination of activities across a range of government services and in the context of early childhood education it would clearly be of benefit to our children” said Ms Rolley.
The IEU believes that early childhood education and child care services play a crucial role in supplementing parental care, promoting children’s social, cognitive and personal development. This role is vital in enabling parents to participate in employment, education and training.
Consequently, the IEU believes access to good quality care is a priority for families combining employment and family responsibilities.
Contact details
Lynne Rolley
Federal Secretary
Ph: 03 9254 1830
Fax: 03 9254 1835
ieu@ieu.org.au