WE are writing on behalf of every passionate early childhood educator in Australia in response to Senator David Leyonhjelm’s recent comments distilling our role down to “wiping noses and stopping the kids from killing each other” and suggesting early childhood education and care (ECEC) qualifications are an expensive waste of time.
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This misinformed image of early childhood educators is all too common and we would like to replace it with an understanding of the true importance of high-quality early education and the value of the educators who deliver it.
Early childhood educators are very proud and passionate people and we take our role very seriously. We are committed to continuous growth and professional development and keep our fingers on the pulse of latest research and findings to ensure best practice.
We develop and deliver individualised educational programs for each and every child; we document, assess and promote learning and development and dream big dreams for the children in our care.
We also provide an information hub and support network for many families. Alongside these families, we support the development of strong self-identities, of socially competent, articulate, resilient individuals with sound physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing.
We strive to foster the growth of curious innovators, creators, questioners, thinkers and world-changers who have a strong sense of awe and wonder and a deep love of learning. Research shows that handling and valuing early education in this way leads to wonderful benefits for children, families, communities and countries.
The Heckman equation shows us that for every dollar we invest in the early years, we save seven to 10 dollars down the track through positive outcomes for children’s future education, socio-economic status, and health and wellbeing. Investment in early childhood education and care is an investment in the future.
Every legitimate study shows that high quality early education can have a profound impact on the trajectory of a child’s life, particularly for disadvantaged children. And what ensures high quality? Qualified educators who experience job satisfaction – this means feeling valued and being paid a wage that reflects the significance of their job and rewards the immense effort, skill and expertise involved.
Up to 90 per cent of brain development occurs in the first years of life. The early years are critical in the development of human beings with many of our skills, dispositions and values being cemented during this formative period. Our early experiences have a direct impact on our shared future. Is this really a field we want led by under-qualified, under-valued and under-paid nose wipers?
It is written into the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) that every child has a right to top quality education. In order to fulfil our commitment to honour this right, we must be educated, informed and supported by our communities. Qualifications and professional development are a responsibility and a very wise investment.
We are advocates for children, families, communities, the ECEC profession and high quality in early education and this is why we are writing this letter today.
