Teachers working in childcare centres are underpaid, unsupported, tired and fed up – meaning the needs of children aren’t being met
Photograph: Daria Nipot/Getty Images/iStockphotoPhotograph: Daria Nipot/Getty Images/iStockphotoIn 2020, when Covid hit, early childhood educators pondered what the future might look like. As the year went on and industries shut down, our sector kept on going.
I have returned to work after five weeks of unpaid sick leave, despite a weak immune system – I have mortgage repayments to make. Sickness is everywhere, but childcare centres are particularly transmittable environments. Each day I arrive at work brings a new set of problems. How many staff will be away today? With the return of agency staff – hard to book, but thankfully there – the staffroom is getting full again. But casual relief teachers are forced to settle children they have never met before. Parents, understandably, question who their child’s teacher is today as their child cries and clings to their legs as they look around, barely recognising a face.
The children call my name, but I can’t get to them all. A child hurts themselves, but I don’t see what happened. I finally sit down for lunch at 2:30 in the afternoon and listen to the stories other educators tell of the troubles in their rooms. Just this week two staff have resigned. I cut short my break to write an incident report and reply to an important email.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jobs Summit a fortnight away, but one outcome just about guaranteedThere are plenty of ideas on the table for next month's Jobs Summit, but there is one outcome that seems all but locked in.
Read more »
Beaten champ's 'cringeworthy' meltdown blastedAnthony Joshua grabbed the mic after his resounding loss in the ring. What followed has been slammed as 'excruciating' and 'cringeworthy' from the former champ.
Read more »
Fresh twist in case of children’s remains found in suitcase in NZ storage unitMystery surrounding two children’s remains found in suitcases at an abandoned storage unit in New Zealand has deepened. 7NEWS
Read more »
Bosses 'need to leave' after 'treatment' of coachEssendon chiefs have been told 'to leave' by a coaching great after throwing Ben Rutten 'under the bus'. A number of strong voices around the sports world are taking aim at the embattled club.
Read more »
South Melbourne Market ‘potato lady’ to contest state election in Albert ParkAfter conversations with her customers, Georgie Dragwidge has decided to run for parliament on a platform of integrity in politics, climate action and support for small business, social welfare and education. | chloebooker springst
Read more »
Several killed as jihadist group seizes hotel in Somali capitalAl-Shabaab fighters still inside Mogadishu building after fierce firefight with security forces
Read more »