New research highlights clear link between high workloads and reduced quality of practice in early childhood education (ECE) centres, potentially compromising child safety.
The University of Sydney study found unsustainable workloads and excessive documentation requirements imposed on staff by employers detract from the core work of ECE professionals, potentially jeopardising children’s safety.
IEUA Federal Assistant Secretary Veronica Yewdall said the findings were unsurprising and reflect feedback received by IEU members employed in ECE.
“The research highlights the impacts of workload on the capacity of ECE staff to engage in sustained and meaningful interactions with children and the consequent effects on early childhood outcomes,” Veronica said.
