Fast-track childcare qualifications raise alarm over safety, oversight and sector integrity

Concerns are mounting over fast-tracked childcare training programs that are accelerating graduates into early learning centres without adequate preparation or oversight. A recent investigation by the ABC has revealed that some education providers are prioritising profit and visa pathways over quality and child safety, placing vulnerable children at risk and eroding public trust in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

One of the institutions identified was Southern Cross University, which, according to the report, has enrolled over 6,000 students in its 10-month graduate diploma, “many with no prior experience in education or care.” Whistleblowers and placement supervisors reported alarming safety breaches and concerns over academic integrity.

“Shortcut pathways don’t meet that bar and children are paying the price,” said Professor Marianne Fenech from the University of Sydney, speaking to ABC News.

Insiders allege that some students have admitted to enrolling solely to secure migration outcomes. Educators and placement supervisors have raised red flags about safety breaches during practical placements, including inadequate supervision, failure to engage with children, and inappropriate physical contact.

One placement supervisor reported a student who routinely removed children from supervised areas without permission. Another noted a student falling asleep during shifts. In a separate case, a student was asked to leave after repeatedly cuddling children against their wishes and ignoring behavioural guidance. In all cases, students had passed theoretical components of the course, raising serious concerns about assessment integrity and sector-wide regulation.

The federal vocational regulator, ASQA, has already revoked more than 2,000 early childhood education certificates after uncovering widespread fraud across four private colleges. Southern Cross University is now under investigation by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), which confirmed a “live compliance” process is underway.

Experts such as Professor Marianne Fenech from the University of Sydney warn that Australia’s increasing reliance on short-course qualifications may be undermining educator quality and compromising child safety. Professor Fenech said graduate diplomas, some completed in as little as 10 months, are replacing traditional four-year degrees and two-year postgraduate programs, a shift she described as “deeply concerning.”

“Quality early childhood education requires well-prepared educators who understand child development, safety, pedagogy and ethics,” Professor Fenech said. “Shortcut pathways don’t meet that bar and children are paying the price.”

The federal government has acknowledged the urgency of the issue, with Education Minister Jason Clare introducing new legislation to enable unannounced compliance spot checks and allow the suspension of funding to services that fail to meet minimum safety standards.

This growing crisis comes as the sector faces chronic workforce shortages, with more than 21,000 educators needed nationally and one in four planning to leave. While increasing the pipeline of qualified staff is a national priority, experts agree it must not come at the expense of quality.

As Australia moves to strengthen training and accreditation requirements, educators, families and providers are calling for urgent reforms that put child safety not enrolment targets at the heart of early learning.

Read the full article here.