The ASU advocates for its members in the child care sector and values their work all year round, but Child Care Week 16 to 20 June 2014 allows a special focus on the importance of the work the sector does.
With various inquiries into the child care sector ongoing at the moment, including one by the Productivity Commission, the ASU has been actively promoting the concerns of our members to ensure their voice is heard.
We have seen in recent years the recognition of the skills and qualifications required to deliver early childhood education and care to the quality expected by the community. As a result of this, workers in the sector have already been involved in major restructures.
The role workers play cannot be overestimated, and the passion they bring has meant they continue to deliver for the community through all the upheavals of reviews, inquiries and restructures.
As we await the results of the current inquiries, early childhood educators across the country continue to ensure that the greatest resource we have for the future, our children, are nurtured and given the best possible preparation for the next stage in their development.
The ASU will continue to urge all levels of Government to recognise the role played by early childhood educators not only in the optimal development of the children they care for, but as an important part of our society. A strong, well-funded child care sector underpins workforce participation and therefore economic health.
The ASU says to our members in the sector: "Have a wonderful Australian Child Care Week and we will continue to encourage the community to fully recognise the dedication and passion you bring to your roles!"
To learn more visit the Child Care Week website.
An additional focus of Child Care Week is to remind workers in the sector about the annual awards. Nominations open on 23 June in eight categories – if you know any child care sector workers who deserve exceptional recognition, find out more about the awards here.
More information
Read more about the current reviews here: Future of child care sector under review, 28 March 2014