Submission #2379

This is just not the right place for cuts. Quality ECEs cannot be undervalued. Losing the most experienced ones, because they’re not interested in a 50% role would be a big blow to the sector, which already struggles to fill vacancies. Going down to a 50% pedagogical support role would lose so much of the benefits of the support person. They will not attract the same level of quality candidates at 50%.
It is easy to underestimate the importance of quality childcare. These children are our most valuable asset and the early years are crucially important for their development. Let’s not cheap out on that. It may be hard to calculate, but the benefits are real positive impacts on the island’s most valued people.