Coalition’s childcare work plan is ‘way behind’
International childcare experts have criticised the Coalition’s move to make parents work to get childcare funding, describing it as a “retrograde step” that will hurt vulnerable families who are most in need of early learning and care.
They have also questioned the government’s focus on getting women into work as a “half a loaf” approach that ignores the importance of childcare for childhood development.
Oxford University professor Edward Melhuish, whose research has focused on long-term studies of child development, said the Australian system – even under the new childcare package – was “way behind” other developed countries.
Full Article: SMH