Early Education News, Jobs & More

Community Child Care Association Executive Director Julie Price and Community Early Learning Australia CEO Michele Carnegie were present when Federal Education Minister Jason Clare addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday, and have prepared the following reflection based on his remarks.

Educators are leaving the sector in droves. The attrition of experienced educators from our profession is an ever-escalating and increasingly dire situation. Every single one is a tragic loss. Each loss represents a systemic failing. Educators have long been crying out for fair remuneration, for some reciprocity on the care we give, and we’re just spent. Our wages are not sustainable.

NAPLAN is taking the fun out of early childhood learning. Early childhood learning encompasses education for children from birth to eight years of age and it is widely known that play-based programs planned with intentionality are the best way for teachers to engage young children in learning. Unfortunately, a focus on NAPLAN scores has resulted in many schools paying more attention to literacy and numeracy programs for children in primary school to perform better in tests in Years 3 and 5. This is impacting on the learning engagement of children in the earlier years.