Parents back calls for fair pay for NSW community preschool teachers

As many of NSW’s 710 community preschools close their doors today, parents' advocates are throwing their support behind teachers’ calls for fair pay. 

The Parenthood CEO Georgie Dent said community preschool teachers were paid 30 per cent less than teachers in schools, despite having the same qualifications.

“Quality early childhood education is so important for giving children the best start in life, but our state’s community preschools are losing talented educators because it doesn’t make financial sense for them to stay in the sector,” Ms Dent said. 

Community preschool teachers – more than 95 per cent of whom are women – are preparing to rally in the Sydney CBD and Lismore today to demand the NSW Government properly fund the sector. 

Ms Dent said community preschools deliver some of the highest quality early education in Australia — but without fair funding and pay, their future is at risk.

“Community-based preschools provide high-quality early education and care. Around 52 per cent of community-based preschools are rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standards — compared to only 18 per cent of long day care services,” Ms Dent said.

“They are the benchmark for early learning, delivering exceptional outcomes for children and families — especially in rural, regional, and disadvantaged communities. But we’re seeing a workforce exodus due to low pay. Constant turnover is devastating for children, who need stable, secure relationships to learn and thrive.

“If the NSW Government wants children to start strong, they need to pay fair.”