It has been interesting observing the shift in the sector. For some these changes come as no surprise as we have lived through similar changes previously. It seems that weekly the media is reporting of early childhood centres closing either by choice or by the regulator (which is a good thing). And in many cases, this has nothing to do with bad luck but rather because providers are not meeting the standards that keep children safe, supported and learning well.
And perhaps this is pointing us toward the next frontier in early childhood education. One that places quality (well the things that we know really matters to children) not all the other glossy promises that don’t make a difference to quality. Because let’s be real about these added extras, they fade in the background when children aren’t prioritised.
The services that will endure, and more importantly, the ones that will truly make a difference, are those who prioritise quality first and foremost (oh a word of warning here, I’ve never heard anyone say that don’t deliver quality, so it has to be more than marketing or glossy campaign on social media or a flashy website) It’s those services who are consistent and intentional in their work that will survive.
We need providers who protect children first and foremost, who support the structural elements of quality (great ratios, small group sizes and the best experienced and qualified staff), because in the long run they will survive. Parents are savvy now more than ever not because of a targeted campaign about quality but because horrific practice has hit the media and they are clued in about what poor practice is or who the poor providers are and they are voting with their feet.
I feel we are seeing a shift here and that the services that invest in quality, not just talk about it, are becoming the new standard bearers. The new guard for our sector and these services need to support so they continue to grow. These will be the ones who will around when the glossy ads and promises begin to tarnish.
This was written by a human brain who is passionate about quality not AI.
