South Australian childcare centres face rising quality concerns

Families and former childcare workers in South Australia are raising concerns about the quality of care in childcare centres. They say staff shortages and a focus on profits are putting children at risk. Data from the federal government's Productivity Commission shows a significant rise in serious incidents in childcare centres. In 2023-2024, there were more than 2,300 serious incidents, which is a 40 percent increase in just three years. These incidents include serious injuries, ambulance calls, and reports of missing children. A former childcare worker, Jessica des Lendes, revealed that many centres are hiring unqualified staff and not following proper child-to-staff ratios. She mentioned times when she had to supervise almost 20 children alone. Des Lendes reported feeling uncomfortable when her colleagues yelled at children and was told that such behavior was normal. Other childcare providers are also struggling. Nicola Jones, a grandmother, shared her experience when she found her granddaughter upset in the "naughty corner" and twice napping in the sun. She felt the staff were doing their best but were likely overwhelmed by the number of children. Despite these issues, South Australia's Education Minister, Blair Boyer, defended the state’s childcare system, calling it the "best childcare regime." He mentioned that following a Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education, the government invested an additional $7 million to improve standards, resulting in more visits to childcare centres. He believes other regions should follow South Australia's example.