Australia is facing a critical shortage of early childhood educators, with over 20,000 additional professionals urgently needed to meet current staffing demands, according to a new report released today. The study, commissioned by Jobs and Skills Australia, highlights the pressing need to address the workforce gap in a sector that currently employs approximately 200,000 workers nationwide.
Professor Barney Glover AO, the Commissioner for Jobs and Skills Australia, unveiled the report, which presents 28 key findings and 41 recommendations aimed at strengthening the early childhood education workforce. Among the most significant findings is the immediate need for 21,000 more qualified professionals. This figure is expected to rise as future demands are considered.
“Current workforce levels are not sustainable,” Professor Glover stated. “We need an 8% increase in staffing to reach sustainable levels and another 8% to address unmet demand for services.”
The report also underscores the importance of supporting diverse communities, particularly those in remote areas. Professor Glover emphasized the need for a workforce capable of serving children from various backgrounds. “It’s crucial that our workforce is prepared to support young children from all walks of life,” he said.
Highlighting the broader impact of early childhood education, Professor Glover noted that access to early education significantly increases a child’s likelihood of pursuing tertiary education. “To achieve our goal of having 80% of the working population with a tertiary education by 2050, we must start with early education,” he added.
In response to the report, Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles acknowledged the federal government’s recognition of the need for more professionals in the sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to attracting and retaining workers in early childhood education.
“We’ve invested more than $3.6 billion in wage increases to encourage people to consider and remain in this vital sector,” Minister Giles said. “It’s essential that we maintain a workforce capable of providing high-quality education and care that is both affordable for Australian families and gives every child the best possible start in life.”
Professor Glover also stressed the importance of ongoing professional development for educators, calling it “absolutely vital” for the sustainability of the industry. He highlighted the need to make early childhood education a more attractive and rewarding career path for young people.
Dem Eccleston, the director of Goodstart Early Learning Reynella, shared the challenges faced by centers due to staff shortages. She revealed that these shortages had forced her to turn away families seeking to enroll their children, a situation she described as “heartbreaking.”
The report’s findings and recommendations aim to address these challenges and ensure that Australia’s early childhood education sector is equipped to meet both current and future demands.