A severe shortage of early childhood educators is pushing Australia’s care sector to the brink.

The local early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector faces a critical shortage of qualified educators, with an estimated 21,000 more professionals needed to meet current demand, according to a new report from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). 

The report released by JSA Commissioner Professor Barney Glover offers a sobering analysis of the state of the sector and highlights the urgent need for workforce expansion.

The report outlines 28 key findings and presents 41 recommendations aimed at addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges facing ECEC. 

It says workforce growth is critical.

“Current workforce levels are not sustainable,” said Professor Glover. 

“We need growth of 8 per cent to meet sustainable staffing levels, and another 8 per cent growth to meet unmet demand for services.”

The report also underscored the broader implications of early childhood education on the future educational trajectory of children. 

Professor Glover noted that children who receive early childhood education are significantly more likely to pursue tertiary education later in life. 

The federal government has acknowledged the findings, with Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles confirming a commitment to boosting the sector’s workforce. 

The report goes beyond numbers, addressing the need for diversity and inclusion within the sector. 

It found a pressing need for more services tailored to culturally and linguistically diverse communities, especially in regional and remote areas, as well as for neurodiverse children and those with disabilities. 

First Nations leadership in education and training was also highlighted as a critical factor in improving access and success rates for Indigenous students.

The report also outlines the need for a more professionalised and sustainable ECEC workforce.

“We need to recognise the importance of putting in place sustainable ongoing learning and development for all staff working in early childhood education and care centres,” Professor Glover said.

The full report is available on the JSA website.

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