The Jenny Wren childcare centre is one of a handful of centres across the country that have been selected to trial the National Quality Standard.

 

“It was wonderful to see such a vibrant centre in action – where the staff are dedicated to giving each child the individual care and attention they deserve. The children were happy, engaged and learning, which I know is of upmost importance to Canberra parents.” Gai Brodtmann said. 

 

Federal Labor wants to ensure that high quality care and early childhood education is provided in every service across the country, so children get the start to life they deserve.

 

“Tony Abbott said this week that he would effectively rip up the Quality reforms to childcare creating huge uncertainly for child care services, staff and parents.”

 

Federal Labor’s quality reforms, endorsed by all States and Territories at COAG on 7 December 2009, are delivering peace of mind for parents providing better staff-to-child ratios and improved qualifications.

 

“The Coalition must guarantee that that they will not scrap Labor’s reforms and threaten quality child care for Canberra children,” Joy Burch said.

 

“Independent research tells us that Labor’s quality reforms, including lower child to staff ratios, will lead to better cognitive and developmental outcomes for our children,” Gai Brodtmann said.

 

“The Gillard Labor Government is focussing on both affordable and high quality care for Canberra families”.

 

The Federal Labor Government increased the Child Care Rebate from 30% to 50%, and increased the maximum amount from $4354 a year to $7500.

 

As a result of this change out of pocket costs to parents fell by around 20% according to the ABS.

 

A family earning $80,000 with one child in full time care now receives an additional $2,239 a year in Child Care Rebate than they would have under the Howard Government.

 

Field testing of the National Quality Standards rating and assessment tool was conducted at Jenny Wren Early Learning Centre in Mawson and a community based child care provider in June. Eight other ACT centres will undergo trials from July, before the planned introduction of the reforms on 1 January 2012.