New survey results, released on Early Childhood Educators Day (2 September), show 84% of Canberra parents see early educators as a trusted knowledge source of their child’s development.
The survey, carried out by the Children First Alliance (CFA), involved 786 parents across nine organisations and 43 early learning centres in Canberra.
CFA co-chair and Community Services #1 CEO Amanda Tobler said the survey results showed the importance of the undervalued profession.
“I am not surprised by these results because I think these early educators are amazing, but it shows parents are valuing the important role they play,” she said.
“They are highly professional people. They are dedicated and committed to providing the best care and education for children to ensure they get the best start in life.
“They have been there every day throughout this pandemic,” she said.
CFA distribute two surveys, one to families with children in an early learning centre and one for educators.
Results also showed 89% of parents support higher salaries for early childhood educators, and they were identified most commonly as the best thing about the child’s early learning centre.
Following the survey results and in the lead up to the election, CFA is calling on the prospective ACT Government to share its vision for early childhood education.
In an election statement, the children’s service provider collaboration is calling for an $800,000 personal development fund and an extension to universal access to early childhood education centres to all three-year-old children.
The group is asking the government to invest in flexible funding models of transport for children experiencing disadvantage.
CFA co-chair and Communities@Work CEO Lee Maiden said these initiatives would show the value of early childhood educators.
“High quality early childhood education and care has a significant impact on children. Access to ongoing professional development is key to ensuring that our early childhood educators are supported,” she said.
“Investing in professional development opportunities for early childhood educators across Canberra will demonstrate the value we place in them and their important contribution to the community.”
