New ECEC service Arkie takes ‘educator first’ approach to ECEC during crisis

A new early childhood education and care (ECEC) service in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga promises to put educators first, allocating $5,000 per educator per year to professional development, and paying 25 per cent above award in a bid to combat the workforce shortages being experienced by the sector. 

The measures, Arkie Early Education Centre CEO Jane Voigt said, aim to highlight the impact educators have on children’s lifelong outcomes.

“Our team is privileged to have over 50 years’ combined experience serving children and their families,” Ms Voigt said. 

“With this, we’ve been able to imagine what an outstanding all-inclusive early learning experience could be – and build it as a revolutionary best-in-class example for the Australian sector.”

The physical environment has been designed to promote the agency of children, with a woodworking space with real tools for children to use, along with a fully functional recording music studio created in partnership with Rolling Stone Australia. 

Other additions include a dedicated art studio, a ‘tech free zone,’ outdoor sleeping options, barefoot play, an urban farm, a sensory garden, a bush kinder program, and options for parents such as a dry cleaning service, and vending machines stocked with everyday items families may need. 

“We don’t do things normally at Arkie,” Ms Voigt concluded. “We innovate and creatively look for solutions to the problems Australian families, children and educators face. Arkie is unlike any other early learning childcare in Australia.”

Visit the Arkie Education website to learn more.