A new study has revealed more than 5500 children across Western Australia are living in “childcare deserts” – regions where, at most, just one spot at a childcare centre is available for every three children who need it.
The report from Social Ventures Australia identified 27 areas across the state with less than 0.333 childcare places available per child aged zero to six which, when paired with socioeconomic disadvantage, could risk lifelong health, social and welfare problems.
Meekatharra, in the state’s Mid West, recorded the highest level of disadvantage nationally out of all regions listed as childcare deserts, with the East Pilbara coming in sixth place and Halls Creek in eighth.
Social Ventures Australia early childhood director Emma Sydenham said these areas should be considered a priority for government childcare initiatives, including the federal government’s election promise to establish a $1 billion Building Early Education Fund.
She said they would lobby the government to use the report, released on Thursday, as a starting point when addressing the childcare crisis, labelling the regions listed as “early education priority zones”.
“These areas span across Western Australia – remote communities feature heavily, but metropolitan areas just kilometres from the Perth CBD, like Balga, Mirrabooka and Girrawheen are part of this education priority,” she said.
Sydenham said the state should address the lack of service providers by focusing on building early childhood hubs, which she described as “one-stop-shops where early childhood education, allied health, family and parenting supports can be delivered together”.
There are several models already operational in WA, including Child and Parent Centres WA and the Salvation Army Children’s Activities and Services in Balga, but Sydenham said they needed to be expanded.
“The most disadvantaged children need more than a place in childcare and these hubs provide a holistic way to address the issues in the number of places on offer and help bridge other gaps created through social imbalances,” she said.
“There is a chance to change their trajectory in early childhood, and we can’t afford to miss that chance.”
But she admitted attracting the workforce to the more remote areas and insuring there was the proper infrastructure, including housing, would be difficult.
Sydenham suggested those in the most impacted communities should write to their local MP and make their voices heard to help push the government for change.
“The federal and West Australian governments have already made some major steps forward for early childhood education, now is the time to act fast and target investment where it will have the most impact for children in WA,” she said.
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