Caitlin Ireland shares the struggle of securing ECEC following catastrophic floods

While parents all over Australia are facing challenges in accessing early childhood education and care (ECEC), in some communities these challenges are exacerbated by external factors. 

For families living in the Northern New South Wales community of Lismore the presence of catastrophic flooding has meant that securing care has gone from challenging to nearly impossible with a number of services damaged by the recent rains. 

Local parent Caitlin Ireland shared her story with Lismore App, providing a powerful real-time illustration of the challenges for many local families. Ms Ireland’s previous ECEC service was destroyed in the floods, and families have been told the service will be closed for at least 12 months. 

When contacting other service providers in the region Ms Ireland learnt that there was a wait list of between 6-12 months at the 11 ECEC providers of various types including family day care, in-home care and long day care options. 

Ms Ireland was thankful to secure a position at a newly established Harmony service in nearby Bangalow which recently opened. 

To read the original story, please see here.