Leyonhjelm: roll back regulation for 'wiping noses'
Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm declares he will not support a bill for childcare reform without amendments, telling The Project he would like to see qualifications for childcare workers rolled back altogether. Courtesy The Project, 6.30pm weekdays on Ten.
The only thing childcare workers spend their time doing is "wiping noses and stopping the kids from killing each other".
At least, that's Federal Senator David Leyonhjelm's take on the industry.
When asked on The Project if he would support a bill for childcare reform, the Liberal Democratic Party senator said the bill needed amendments - specifically because he believes the existing qualification requirements are unnecessary given the nature of the work.
"A lot of women – mostly women – used to look after children in childcare centres and then they brought in this national quality framework and they had to go and get a Certificate III in Childcare in order to continue doing the job that they were doing," he said, suggesting that a qualification isn't necessary to do the menial tasks, such as wiping noses, that are part of the role. (Watch the full interview in the video above.)
Of course, childcare workers and most parents know better when it comes to what those in the childcare industry actually do all day. They are acutely aware that there are many things early childhood educators do for our children that make a big difference to the lives of kids and their families. Here are just a few ...
Carers help kids develop important life skills
On picking up my daughter from childcare one day, an educator pulled me aside with a form in her hand.
"We focus on different children's needs throughout the year," she said, "and we'd love it if you could fill this in and chat to us about what your daughter needs from us."
And so they helped my little one build her resilience. She transformed from a child who was uncertain about leaving my side into one who would confidently walk into the childcare room without hesitation.
That attention from her childcare educators has provided skills that have set her up for not only the next steps of her education, but also other aspects of her life. It took their work and experience to make it happen, and I'm grateful for that.
Childcare supports families in times of need
Claire, a friend of mine, says her children's daycare centre played a pivotal role in the family for almost 12 years. "In that time the kids' dad and I worked in conjunction with their teachers to raise our children," she says. "The kids' teachers were nothing short of amazing, and while I was sick with breast cancer they provided extra support to my family."
Claire strongly believes that childcare workers are a valuable part of our parenting 'village'. "They provide the support that in previous generations may have been provided by grandparents, aunts and uncles, older siblings and cousins, for example – when families tended to live in the same street, or suburb," she says.
"As a young, first time mum, who had never held a baby before I held my firstborn, they also helped me build my confidence in parenting."
They fill the gaps parents leave
It's a very rare set of parents that can cover all bases, and it's fortunate that we have others around us who can give our kids additional opportunities.
At a childcare level, this can range from huge life skills down to day-to-day tasks we can chuckle about. Or, as Jo, a mum of two, describes: "They provide an environment where babies and children learn new skills – particularly socially – and often do things that parents don't have the time or inclination to do. For example, I hate craft and the subsequent mess, but they do it!"
I have to admit, I've been known to tell my kids that glitter is only used on childcare premises – and thank goodness our childcare workers can cope with the chaos.
Make kids feel important
One vital thing that childcare workers offer our kids is attention. "At childcare they get really focused attention, with grown ups who can sit down and play with them, read to them and chat with them, without the constant distractions parents have," says Erin, whose children attended a small childcare centre.
This attention makes our kids feel special and listened to, which is more important than ever with the mental and physical health challenges their generation is facing.
This is just scratching the surface of what childcare workers do to help us raise confident, smart, happy kids – there really are so many great things educators do for families and children.
So, Senator Leyonhjelm, let's encourage more gratitude and acknowledgement of what these people can offer.
Essential Baby