MEDIA RELEASE United Workers Union welcomes launch of Early Childhood Strategy for the ACT
The United Workers Union welcomes today’s launch of the ACT Government’s “Set up for Success: An Early Childhood Strategy for the ACT”.
UWU’s Helen Gibbons said, “The launch of this strategy shows the ACT Government is valuing educators and valuing children.
“Most importantly, this strategy acknowledges the link between valuing early childhood educators and better outcomes for children. Quality early childhood education and care is a vital cornerstone for our society.
“The ACT Government’s approach is based on the overwhelming evidence that quality early childhood education and care makes a significant developmental impact on children.
“The Union welcomes the strategy’s recognition of the significant contributions of early childhood educators to children, families, communities and our society.
“By recognising the direct, positive educational and developmental impact the workforce has on children, the ACT Government can improve outcomes for children by supporting educators.”
The new ACT Government strategy outlines the ACT Government’s plan for early childhood education and care in the ACT for the next decade, and is based on four foundations for implementation:
- A fair start for every child
- Valuing educators, values children
- Every child has a story
- Working together for children
“Early childhood educators bring special knowledge and skills to their interactions with children, supporting them to deepen and extend their thinking, problem-solving skills and language as well as to build close and respectful relationships. Valuing children and investing in their learning and development requires that the government and community value and invest in educators.”
Educator Cassandra Duff has worked in early childhood education and care for more than 15 years.
“Today’s strategy launch acknowledges the work that educators like me do every day.
“Early childhood educators deserve respect, professional pay and recognition. This strategy is an important step for making these things a reality for ACT educators.
“For educators, this strategy will mean more Government support for training and professional development, and improvements to professional recognition.”
