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Economics
Rural families may have “three days” on paper, but access still hinges on supply and In Home Care rules
Most of the early childhood sector is across the basics of the 3 Day Guarantee. The sharper question for rural and remote communities is whether a larger subsidy entitlement can be converted into actual hours of care when services are scarce, distances are long, and the only viable option is often In Home Care (IHC).
2026-01-15 08:00:42
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Policy
Provider
Quality
Workforce
Cost of living eased with Three-Day Guarantee
For many Australians, the Three Day Guarantee launched this week may pass quietly in the background, particularly for those not directly engaged in the early learning system... But for families raising young children today and participating in early learning, the Albanese Government’s decision to provide three days of subsidised child care each week for all children, is a tangible and long-overdue step toward easing household pressures through cost-of-living relief.
2026-01-15 07:00:50
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Events News
Practice
Quality
Research
One in six Aussie children at risk of missing the basics for school: Through the Officeworks Back to School Appeal you can help change that
As early childhood children prepare to make the important transition into Prep or Grade 1 in 2026, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to start strong is more important than ever. Having access to the basics, from school supplies to uniforms, can significantly influence a child's sense of belonging and readiness to learn.
2026-01-13 08:30:29
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Regional confidence: $6.5M sale of Bendigo childcare centre sets the tone for 2026
The first major early learning property transaction of 2026 has been completed, signalling continued investor confidence in the childcare sector despite changing economic conditions. A purpose-built, fully leased early learning service in Golden Square, a suburb of Bendigo, has sold for $6.5 million, marking a significant start to the year for regional early childhood infrastructure.
2026-01-13 08:00:50
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Research
Workforce
Australia’s population outlook: What it means for the early childhood sector
The Australian Government’s release of the 2025 Population Statement provides a timely snapshot of demographic change, one with significant implications for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across the country. The latest projections confirm slowing population growth, declining birth rates, and a shift toward an ageing population, reinforcing the need for strategic planning, policy alignment and investment in the early years.
2026-01-13 08:00:47
by Fiona Alston
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Sustaining the spark: How early childhood leaders and educators can avoid burnout
2026-01-12 08:00:31
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Research
Workforce
Australia’s population outlook: What it means for the early childhood sector
2026-01-13 08:00:47
by Fiona Alston
Workforce
Securing the future: What the NSW community services jobs compact means for early childhood education
2026-01-13 07:15:46
by Fiona Alston
