As an educator and a nursery room leader, the well-being of the children under my care is my foremost responsibility. Every day in Australia, early childhood educators in childcare settings are expected to manage four children under the age of three on their own. In my personal experience, this is often too challenging. It makes it difficult to ensure that each child gets the attention and quality care they deserve. It is time to demand a change in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) regulations.

The National Quality Framework (NQF) which guides the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) currently establishes a ratio of one educator to four children for infants under two years old. However, educators often feel that they cannot maintain the quality of intentional teaching or meet the basic needs of every child due to this high ratio.

Consequently, this leads to staff fatigue and burnout, which further compromises the standards of care. According to Safe Work Australia, the 'Education and training' sector had one of the highest rates of work-related injuries and diseases (SWA, 2018). This not only impacts the health and well-being of the educators but also affects the care and attention that the children receive.

Changing this ratio to one educator to two children will ensure the children are provided with more secure attachments and the best possible care. This change will protect the well-being of both the children and the staff, providing a more sustainable model of early childhood education.

Therefore, we urge ACECQA to reevaluate and revise the current educator to child ratios for under twos. It is about time we prioritized the well-being of our children and those who take care of them. So, let us join hands in this vital issue. Please lend your voice to this petition and sign.