Affordability & Accessibility LATEST STORIES
Economics
Provider
Research
The ‘3 day guarantee’ for childcare starts next year. The challenge could be finding quality care
One of the Albanese government’s headline election policies was a “three-day guarantee” for childcare.
2025-05-29 10:22:18
by Contributed Content
Economics
Research
Workforce
Short-term birth rate fixes won’t solve long-term ECEC challenges
As debate grows over Australia’s declining birthrate, some policymakers are turning to financial incentives in hopes of reversing the trend. But international evidence suggests a broader, systemic response is needed, especially across the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.
2025-05-28 09:45:21
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Policy
Research
Workforce
ECEC workforce exceeds 268,000, but access and equity gaps remain
Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce now exceeds 268,000, according to the 2024 National Workforce Census. While qualifications are improving and enrolments are rising, the sector continues to face staffing pressures, limited capacity and persistent equity gaps, particularly in rural and low income communities.
2025-05-08 10:45:11
by Isabella Southwell
Economics
Policy
Coorong council consults community to address early learning access gaps
Coorong District Council is seeking local input as part of a feasibility study into child care needs across the region. With ongoing early learning shortages and “child care desert” status identified in past reports, the council has engaged Community Early Learning Australia to assess local demand and recommend solutions. Residents can now share their feedback online or attend consultation sessions scheduled throughout May.
2025-05-06 13:08:23
by Isabella Southwell
Economics
Quality
New public preschools on the way for Illawarra and south coast families
Families across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions are set to benefit from a significant expansion of public preschool infrastructure, with contracts awarded for the construction of nine new fee free facilities. These preschools will be co-located with existing public schools.
2025-05-05 10:30:36
by Fiona Alston
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Practice
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Several Bambini family day care services still closed after infant death review
2025-05-26 12:17:15
by Isabella Southwell
Policy
Practice
Provider
Quality
Research
NSW’s new child protection reforms set national precedent, with implications for ECEC sector
2025-05-26 10:23:37
by Fiona Alston
Practice
Quality
Research
Unlocking the power of intentional teaching
2025-05-21 11:00:08
by Fiona Alston
