We know this week has been tough for educators, parents and children – SNAICC response to Four Corners Report
This week’s Four Corners report exposed some troubling aspects of the early education and care industry. We know this week may have been difficult for those involved in and working in early education and care.
The Four Corners Report highlights the flaws of the market-driven model that has left too many children in substandard conditions and accentuates the importance of not-for-profit, community-controlled centres, where children are the priority. The investigation revealed that one in ten childcare centres has never been rated and many others fail to meet national quality standards. It was difficult to watch.
With childcare providers prioritising profits over quality care, some centres have resorted to over-enrolling children, hiring unqualified staff and failing to respond appropriately to medical emergencies. This system is failing our children and it is clear that the current market-driven approach is not working.
The work of our early childhood educators is vital.
We recognise the incredible work of our early childhood educators who give their all to our children every day. You are the vast majority of early learning educators across Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations put our children first. Always.
The Four Corners report made one thing clear—the current market-driven model is not working. But Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations have always led with culture, care and community, ensuring that children’s wellbeing comes before profit. ACCOs ensure that children’s wellbeing comes first, with a commitment to quality care that is grounded in cultural safety and community leadership.
The market-driven model is failing our children.
For too long, profits have dictated the priorities in early childhood education, which is why SNAICC has consistently advocated for a dedicated funding model for ACCO-run services—because our children deserve better. Build on what is working by strengthening the role of not-for-profit, community-controlled centres where children are truly the priority.
It’s time for real accountability.
Shut down the bad operators. Close the loopholes and tie funding to quality. Build on what works—not-for-profits and community-controlled services that are proven to support our children and help them thrive.
Funding Model Options for ACCO Integrated Early Years Services
Funding Model Options for ACCO Integrated Early Years Services presents findings and recommendations so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have access to high-quality, culturally safe Early Childhood Education and Care services that meet their developmental and wellbeing needs through needs-based funding model options that support the viable operation of ACCO early years service providers.