Early Child Care and the Community

Child care is of great significance in every Australian community. With many households having all adults working full time it is imperative that secure child care is available to all working families.

Part of the Australian child care system is providing high quality service, a secure and friendly environment, and programs specifically developed to boost child development (in accordance with the National Early Childhood development Strategy). The child care system supports the critical years before a child begins schooling as well as families who otherwise couldn't cope without the option of secure child care. The early learning programs in place exist to give children the best possible start as a critical building block in their education.

The Significance of Community Child Care

The saying "it takes a community to raise a child" is highly relevant in this instance. Having a child learn and play with other (safe and professional) individuals not only provides variety but also helps develop social skills which are essential as a child gets older. Having developed social skills by the time a child is school age helps ease the transition as well as allowing them to communicate with teachers and other students.

Australian early child care strategies are in place to help ensure the best possible start for young children before they enter school and plans are in place to help aid in the development of more child care institutions as well as incentives for people to train as early child care workers. All this is to provide for the future generations of the nation.