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In many ways 2020 was a long time in the works, but COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to see free childcare for all in action.
In April 2020, the government temporarily removed all child care benefits. The move allowed parents to stay in their jobs during workplace and school closures, and kept childcare facilities from being lost due to declining enrollment. As we now look to the future, it is time to review the benefits of free childcare for all Australians and consider changing our system to reflect a progressive world.
Child Care Benefits
Conventional wisdom has always said that the best place for children is at home with their parents. An international survey has found another story. In fact, many research groups have found that quality child care has significant benefits, both for children and communities.
- Childhood development. About 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life. While most parents do an excellent job of encouraging and teaching their children at home, children who have access to childcare often do better when they do.
- Socialization. Full-time childcare allows children to spend time with friends and adults rather than their parents. This kind of interaction teaches children how to be friends, work together and solve problems as a team, helping them develop a well-rounded personality.
- Giving a habit. Children thrive when they behave responsibly. The daycare center offers a well-designed learning environment that keeps our children engaged, happy and safe in a way that encourages them to explore the world around them.
- Parents can go back to work. Australian families spend 31% of their income on childcare. This cost forces many parents – especially mothers and fathers – to stay at home with their children. Free childcare can allow them to return to work and create 30,000 extra days a week, adding billions of dollars to our economy each year.
Universal Childcare After COVID-19
The benefits of early childhood education are clear, and the financial system shows growth that increases government spending. Most importantly, we are dealing with a changing world, and government policies must be updated to reflect current and future trends.
Our working lives will not bounce back overnight, and helping Australians get through the 2020 crisis means helping them get back to the jobs they love. Free childcare would be a big step in that direction, not as an investment for our children, but as an investment in our economy for years to come.