Social Progress Party
Politics to serve all of society, not just the wealthy and powerful.
Early Childcare
Underlying Principles
o Mental and physical safety of the child is the overriding priority.
o Socialisation and a wide breadth of experiences is key in mental and behavioural development and future social cohesion.
o Nutritional and motor skills support are essential.
o A close and open relationship between the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the childcare provider is critical to ensure that the needs of the child are met in both home and care environments, if these are different.
o Provision of childcare should not make returning to work financially prohibitive, nor should an employer make it impossible for an employee to maintain practical childcare arrangements.
Proposed Education Policies specific to Early Childcare
Nationalise Early Childcare provision
o Profit should not be the driving motive behind care for our most vulnerable children at a life stage where suitable socialisation and stimulus can have a huge impact on life outcomes.
o Simplify the childcare voucher process by simply discounting fees charged directly to eligible parents.
o Allow a greater link between Early Childcare and state Primary to ease transition for the children.
o Allows state funds to directly impact improvements in care, rather than risk it being lost to profits and dividends.
o Private Early Childcare could still be an option for those parents who are prepared and able to pay for it.
