'I'm a childcare educator. The system is the problem, not us.'

About 60 per cent of Australian children aged five and under go to daycare.

Speak to any parent across the country, and they will tell you just how pivotal access to childcare is too — our society is dependent on it. That's why it's terrifying for parents to think, read or hear about childcare centres that aren't doing the right thing by little ones. 

Last week, ABC's 7:30 did a report into this very issue, speaking with parents about their negative experiences with the sector.

There were harrowing stories — examples of severe allergies being dismissed, focuses on profit over adequate care, soiled nappies left for hours, unexplained bruises and cuts, minimal food and loopholes to get around staff to child ratios. 

It's important that these cases are brought to light and that change is made. 

But it's equally important that as a society we don't demonise childcare workers in the process. Because they are some of the most hardworking and passionate people, the very vast majority dedicated to keeping kids in their care safe.

This is the message many in the industry want parents to hear this week in particular, says childcare educator Emma Rattenbury, who was also interviewed on 7:30.

"The majority of educators don't want to shy away from the issues, they certainly don't want to hide anything. I guess the collateral in this is that it could potentially leave families feeling unsafe about their decision to enrol their children into early learning," she tells Mamamia.

"It's disheartening for educators who are working really hard to do an amazing job each and every day to know that not everyone's experience has been positive."

Part of the ABC's 7:30 report into the childcare system. Post continues below.

For 19 years, Rattenbury has been working in childcare, and she says it's the best decision she ever made. It's a career that truly brings her purpose and joy.

"I love supporting educators to believe in themselves, and also connecting with the children and seeing a difference. Being able to improve lives, even if it's just a little bit, that's what keeps so many of us motivated."

This isn't to say that working in childcare has been a breeze. Talk to anyone in the sector and they will say the exact same thing.

Firstly, childcare workers and early education teachers are objectively not paid anywhere near enough for the work they do. The government has been under sustained pressure to increase wages for this group, where the minimum wage is approximately $23 an hour.

The prospects of low pay don't help attract top quality educators to the sector, and this has been connected to staff shortages and difficulties in maintaining ratios, Rattenbury notes.

Now put pay to the side — many in the industry feel they aren't provided a safe work environment. Educators say this is an issue the system has caused, rather than the individual workers themselves.

"A lot of people probably think, 'Oh playing with children is fun. It's easy.' However it's certainly not," notes Rattenbury. 

"We are emptying our cups to support children and keep their emotional cups full throughout the entire day. Add onto that any behaviours we need to work through, or extra support needed with some kids — educators have a great understanding of developmental theory.

"So if workers aren't feeling well supported, and no one is making sure their workplace environment is safe, it's going to lead to burnout."

@emmarattenburyconnection

♬ original sound - Emma | Early Childhood Ed

From a wider perspective, caring roles in society are often overlooked and undervalued.

And while the topic of childcare itself is often a 'buzzword' in state and federal elections, many feel that reinvesting in the system is a low priority for our policy makers.

All children deserve high-quality education and care. It's a fundamental right.

It's up to our leaders to make sure steps are taken to move towards change and reform, not only for the wellbeing of kids in childcare, but for the workers and educators too.

"I definitely love working with children. And I love working with educators and supporting them. But it's a really hard job. That's why it's really important that all our educators are feeling appreciated," says Rattenbury.

"I know how important these early years are, and if we don't get it right, it's not great for the country, but it's not fair for the children as well. Kids' futures depend on it."

So for parents who are feeling uneasy about the state of childcare across the country right now — fair enough. But childcare workers also want you to know this — they are passionate about caring for your kids and giving them the best possible start in life.

"There are so many amazing early learning services out there. There are so many well-trained, dedicated early childhood educators too," says Rattenbury.

"It's good to ask questions, do your research and look at the quality ratings of different services in your area. But I hope parents also have faith that there are some amazing services out there who are more than willing to support their child's care and education. It's what drives us."

Feature Image: Supplied.

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