The Guardian 11 February, 2009

Childcare union welcomes
new staff-to-infant ratios

Childcare union members are delighted after the government announced today an improvement in staff-to-infant ratios in Victorian centres.

Staff-to-infant ratios will be reduced from one worker-to-five (0 to three-year-olds) to one-to-four infants.

LHMU Childcare Union state secretary Jess Walsh said "the changes are great news for families and for our members".

"I just spoke to one member who works with babies in a childcare centre. She thought the changes were amazing. At the moment, she could have five babies crying at the same time. She said it's often heartbreaking because there is nothing she can do to settle them all at once. These changes will make a big difference in the level of care and development she and others are able to provide."

LHMU members have been pushing for better staff-to-child ratios for a long time.

"Our members are hard-working, dedicated professionals, and these improved staff-to-child ratios will allow them to do their jobs better."

Improvements in minimum qualifications and training were also welcomed by union members.

Under the proposed regulations, all workers must hold a minimum Certificate Three in Childcare, a TAFE qualification. At the moment, there are no minimum qualifications for Victorian childcare workers.

"These changes will give child care professionals the respect and recognition of their skills that they deserve and have been fighting for."

The developments are a big step in the right direction for childcare.

"Ultimately, these new ratios and qualification requirements will lift childcare standards across the board. This is a great win for our members and for parents.

"These regulations will make it easier for childcare workers to give Victoria's children the high standard of care they deserve."

The LHMU launched the Big Steps campaign calling for minimum qualifications and ratios in Victoria in August last year.

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