CHILDCARE CRISIS SOLUTIONS IDENTIFIED

Increasing long day care services, establishing in-region staff training and boosting a recruitment campaign are key recommendations of an early childhood education and care project in the Central Highlands.

Enhancing Early Childhood Education and Care (EECEC), led by the Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC), has identified 10 actions to address critical shortages in Blackwater and Emerald.

It follows extensive engagement with local providers and the community to understand waitlists, workforce gaps, and training needs.

“This project doesn’t only identify a childcare crisis in our region, it offers solutions,” CHDC CEO Peter Dowling says.

“By taking a deep dive into the sector’s challenges and their causes, we’ve been able to tailor practical, meaningful actions to address them head-on.”

EECEC has found priority must be given to expanding long day care services, including building new rooms in Blackwater for 0–3-year-olds, and establishing local training capacity to tackle high staff turnover and persistent workforce shortages.

The project also recommends developing a targeted recruitment strategy to secure 20 new educators.

EECEC was led by CHDC, together with its consultant team from Astute Early Year Specialists and Infinitum Partners, as part of a broader strategy to make the Central Highlands a more attractive place to live, work and invest.

“If we can address the childcare challenges, the whole region stands to benefit,” Mr Dowling says.

“Our research has found large waitlists for infant and toddler places are keeping many essential workers out of employment and hindering local businesses from filling vacancies.”

CHDC is now actively seeking resourcing to support the industry to implement the recommendations.

“We’re grateful to all the centres and families who played a part in this project and hope the release of these findings demonstrates our commitment to taking the next important steps,” Mr Dowling says.

Findings of the EECEC project can be viewed at chdc.com.au.

EECEC was proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.