Ymca Australia Welcomes Coag Agreement On Child Care Standards

YMCA Australia Welcomes COAG Agreement on Child Care Standards

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

YMCA Australia welcomes the National Partnership Agreement on the National Quality Agenda for Early Childhood Education and Care reached in Brisbane yesterday.

"This historic agreement between Australian governments towards the implementation of nationally consistent quality standards has the potential to revolutionise and strengthen the delivery of early childhood education and care in this country," said YMCA Australia CEO, Mr Bob Nicholson.

Throughout the diverse range of YMCA Children's Services we remain focused on delivering consistent, sustainable and high quality services and COAG's commitment to the National Quality Agenda reflects these principles and will provide the necessary foundation to re-strengthen the early childhood education and care sector in Australia.

"Improving child to staff ratios, enhancing the qualification level and training and for early childhood educators, supporting workforce development and providing a nationally consistent accreditation system are critical initiatives that the YMCA has supported for many years," said Mr Nicholson.

In responding to the crisis surrounding the collapse of ABC Learning this time last year, YMCA Australia raised long-held concerns with the Federal Government about the imbalance in the marketplace between commercial operators and not-for-profit providers.

"We hope the national partnership agreement will provide an opportunity to enhance the role and capacity of high quality, not for profit community-based children's services. We also hope the Government's commitment to early childhood education and care will be genuinely reflected in the upcoming Federal Budget development process," said Mr Nicholson.

YMCA Australia is looking forward to working in partnership with the Federal Government towards the implementation of the national standards and in ensuring that any associated cost burdens for Australian families are minimised.

For all inquiries and media comment, please contact:

Mr. Bob Nicholson
CEO, YMCA Australia
Mobile: 0409 205 210


SOURCE: YMCA Australia