The Government’s decision to provide grants to daycare centres to improve their facilities is a welcome investment in early childhood development. However, as demand for quality childcare grows, stakeholders say significantly greater and sustained investment is needed to raise professional standards, expand services and ensure every child has access to a safe, stimulating and development-focused learning environment.

Ten daycare operators recently received $200,000 grants under the Childcare and Protection Agency’s Enhancement of Childcare and Early Learning Facilities initiative. The funding is intended to help transform their facilities into Centres of Excellence, providing children with safer and higher-quality learning environments.

Recipients welcomed the initiative, saying the grants will allow them to purchase educational materials, replace damaged equipment and improve their facilities.