Clancy Calls On Government to Better Support Community Childcare Centres

Member for Albury, Justin Clancy, has echoed concerns raised by the community preschool sector about the Minns Government’s changes to the community preschool model, arguing it does not address the pay disparity experienced by community preschool workers. 

Mr Clancy said whilst expanding hours looks good on paper, there has been no consultation with the community preschools to assess if extending working hours is feasible, in an industry that is already under strain.

‘Not for profit preschools are consistently rated higher in quality, and the retention of outstanding staff is key to shaping a child’s future,’ Mr Clancy said.

‘Community preschools are structured intentionally to put children first,’ Mr Clancy said.

‘I call on the Government to better supporting children, early childcare educators and teachers.’ 

Director of Howlong Preschool, Olivia Pepper said the Minns Government is turning its backs on the community preschool model that has served families so well for decades.

‘Imposing funding caps while increasing expectations on educators is unsustainable and undermines the wellbeing of both children and staff. We will not be forced into a model that fails to prioritise what matters most,’ Mrs Pepper said.

‘NSW Community Preschools are a flagship model, built around the needs of children and trusted by families because it works.’

‘In the midst of a workforce crisis driven by burnout and chronic shortages, this government’s proposed changes show a deep lack of consultation and understanding.’

‘Rather than dismantling a successful model, the government should invest in pay parity for the dedicated professionals who deliver this essential service.’

Not for profit preschool educators are paid 25% less than teachers in government preschools.

‘We call on the NSW Government to revoke this program and invest in urgently needed wage increases, in line with what our colleagues in the NSW Department of Education sector receive,’ Mrs Pepper said.

Director of Albury Preschool, Jo Barton said not for profit Preschools are consistently rated higher in quality and we want that to stay that way, with qualified staff the main contributing factor.

‘Highly trained educators working in not-for-profit community preschools are paid 25% less than Government preschools, this pay gap is unfair and undervalues the vital work we do in shaping our children’s futures,’ Ms Barton said.

‘We are ineligible for the Federal Government's workforce retention payment, which long day care services can receive to improve their workforce, pay, and conditions. It is just another barrier to preschools attracting and retaining staff.’  

‘I urge the Government for an immediate pay parity for all not for profit community preschools,’ Mr Clancy said.