The Parenthood

THIS IS HUGE ‼️ The Federal Government announced a substantial investment in creating universal early childhood education and care, with a $1billion fund to build or expand more than 160 early childhood education and care services. This investment - which is the largest for new centres in Australian history - has wholeheartedly been welcomed by the Access for Every Child Coalition, which includes more than 60 leading voices spanning health, education and agriculture, including the National Farmers Federation, Regional Australia Institute and the National Rural Women’s Coalition. This means so much for Australian families, especially those in our rural, regional and remote areas. It means children will have every opportunity to start their education prepared It means parents can return to work without the financial pressures they currently face It means employment opportunities for so many people We want to see every party get behind this initiative - if you agree, share and tag us at @theparenthood

When teachers can’t go to work, it's felt by entire communities 🎒 In remote areas, schools rely on every team member to keep things running smoothly. But when early childhood teachers like Sam are unable to work, the ripple effects are felt by students, parents, and the entire school. Continuity and structure are critical for young learners—but without consistent staffing, progress becomes a challenge. It’s a reminder of how much support rural educators and communities need to thrive Learn more about her story and why investing in rural education matters. 💛 #SupportEducators #RemoteLearning #ContinuityMatters #ECEC

The numbers don't lie 🤯 In a recent poll, 71% of parents showed their support for a capped, universal fixed fee early childhood education and care system. We know the current system is broken - and so, it seems, does the Albanese Government, who are reportedly considering a universal fixed-fee plan going into the upcoming election. “The Albanese Government has again signalled their seriousness about delivering a fixed-fee universal early childhood education and care model, and the potential impact of that for household budgets, children’s development, gender equity and Australia’s nationwide productivity cannot be underestimated,” said The Parenthood’s CEO, Georgie Dent. This is HUGE for all Australian parents and now we need to call on all parties step up and commit to a plan that would radically ease cost of living pressure on young families and enable as many as 134 000 women to return to the workforce. Just imagine what this could do for Australia..

Child care costs are rising THREE TIMES faster than inflation 🤯 Yep, you read that right. As if the cost of living wasn't squeezing the pockets of Australian families enough, they're facing an even bigger financial battle. The cost of ECEC is escalating at an alarming rate and with an election looming in 2025, we need to hear from YOU, our incredible The Parenthood community. Can you share with us what increases in child care fees you have seen in the last 12 months? How are they impacting your family? Comment below or drop us a DM if you'd rather keep your response confidential Together, we will work to make Australia the best place in the world for families 💪🏼

Mothers’ workforce participation could be lifted by up to 134,000 full-time-equivalent workers IF the Federal Government caps daily early learning and care fees at $10 a day (& makes it free for households on low incomes) This is what a new report from 'Impact Economics & Policy' says will be the result if the proposed universal capped fee system is introduced. We already know that for many Australians daycare is either impossible to access or is too expensive. Marita Tilleraas told the Financial Review of their struggle to pay for childcare while working full-time. The digital marketing officer with two children in care, Chloe, 3, and Naomi, 5, and her husband pay 42 per cent of their combined salaries each week on childcare fees – after government subsidies – and another 40 per cent on their mortgage. She estimates their fees have increased by 40 per cent over the past two years. How is this sustainable?? ''The Child Care Subsidy is a broken and confusing system. Every time the government increases the subsidy, as they did last year, inevitably providers increase fees. Parents aren’t experiencing substantive relief." @georgiedent recently shared. "We are urging all parties to commit to a universal, flat-fee for quality, inclusive early childhood education and care ahead of the next federal election,” said Ms Dent. “Every child - regardless of their postcode or parents’ income deserves access to quality inclusive early childhood education and care." Are you currently avoiding returning to the workforce because of the exorbitant fees? Let us know in the comments what this universal capped system would mean for you 👇🏼

24 million Australians live in areas with no access to affordable early childhood education and care For many families, this creates an impossible choice: stay out of the workforce or struggle to live on a single income. The current system isn’t just a barrier—it’s a crisis for parents and children alike. That’s why we’re calling on all parties to commit to a universal, flat-fee early childhood education and care model ahead of the federal election. Because every child—no matter their postcode or parents’ income—deserves the chance to thrive through quality, inclusive early education. It’s time for change. Share this post and let’s push for a fairer future for all families.

"What is ECEC and why does it matter for families?” You may have seen the term ECEC—but what does it really mean? ECEC stands for Early Childhood Education and Care, and it’s so much more than just daycare or babysitting. ECEC encompasses everything from quality early learning programs to the nurturing environments where children grow, play, learn and develop essential skills. Investing in ECEC means giving children the best start in life and supporting families by providing accessible, affordable care. It’s about creating opportunities for every child to thrive, no matter their background. Swipe through to learn more about why ECEC is crucial for children, families, and our entire community. Let’s work together to ensure every child has access to high-quality early education and care 🌱📚 Want to join the cause? Sign up at www.theparenthood.org.au and have your voice heard 💪🏼 #EarlyEducation #ECEC #SupportFamilies #EveryChildMatters

"Akin to a second mortgage for parents with children under six, it’s safe to say the cost of childcare may come in as a close second in deterring parents-to-be from starting a family" Our CEO @georgiedent_ shared her latest thoughts with the @sydneymorningherald on the impact the cost of living crisis is having on dropping fertility rates in Australia. Fertility rates are the lowest we've seen in a long time, whilst the cost of early childhood education and care fees have risen by 12% in the last 12 months alone. This pattern is clear and predictable: when the government increases the subsidy rate, providers raise their fees. For-profit private providers raise fees by far greater rates. The math isn’t complicated. This is why we need to see a universal early learning system. We've seen it proven in the healthcare, education and superannuation sector - it just makes sense that ECEC sector should be next Not only will this ease the financial burden on families, it will allow Australians an easier choice when it comes to starting a family. What do you think? Do you believe a universally capped system will benefit Australian families? Share with us below👇🏼

☠️☠️☠️ Forget Halloween costumes. You know what is REALLY SCARY? The cost of early childhood education and care. ☠️☠️☠️ New figures released today show that out of pocket costs have jumped by 12.1% in the last year. TWELVE. POINT. ONE. PERCENT. That is more than FOUR times the rate of inflation. That is despite the Federal government tipping in several billion dollars in additional subsidies from 1 July last year. Why? Because too many early learning providers use subsidy increases to lift the fees they charge parents and very neatly rob those families of the affordability relief they were intended to experience. This isn't a surprise. It confirms what the ACCC said is the main problem with the Child Care Subsidy: it places no downward pressure on out of pocket costs. Given $14 billion is spent each year on the Child Care Subsidy it's important that there is transparency and accountability about who is benefitting from that expenditure. This is what Professor Deborah Brennan AM, Associate Commissioner, captured in a compelling supplementary paper in the Productivity Commission's Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care, that flagged the very legitimate limits of a market-based approach to early childhood education and care. (It is three pages of gold from Volume 2, p336 and well worth a read.) That's why The Parenthood is advocating for genuine funding reform. We want quality early childhood education and care to be free for low income families, and a set fixed fee for everyone else. Without that change the only guarantee is the out-of-pocket costs will continue to skyrocket and too many children, parents and families will miss out.

Should all children have access to three days of quality, early childhood education? We believe so. Why? First, because it's really good for their social wellbeing and development. Children who have access to quality early learning are half as likely to arrive at school behind. Second, it enables parents to participate in paid work which is an economic necessity in almost every household. Providing for a family isn't cheap. Yet the Productivity Commission could lead you to believe that access to quality, affordable daycare doesn't have much bearing on a parent's "choice" about how and when they work. We know that's bollocks, and we suspect you know it too. So why don't the PC?! Their latest report doesn't reflect the reality for most families in Australia in 2024. We'd love to know if you agree? Share your thoughts below 👇🏼