Optimising professionalism and quality in long day care: early childhood professionals' perceptions of the impact of the regulatory environment

Marianne Fenech, Jennifer Sumsion, Joy Goodfellow

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contribution

    Abstract

    Australian long day care services operate under a myriad of regulatory requirements (see page 8 for an overview of requirements of NSW long day care services). State- and territory-based child care regulations, the National Child Care Accreditation Council's Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (QIAS) and other external requirements are premised on the need for public accountability for the quality of the care provided and the management of perceived risks to children. These regulatory requirements are positive in intent and undoubtedly, in many respects, in their functioning and outcomes. As Power (1994) notes, however, the increased emphasis on regulation and rules, or the shift to an 'audit society', has "brought a complex bundle of gains and losses" (p. 9). While we are not proposing the abolition of child care regulations or the QIAS, we believe it is timely to consider the gains and losses with respect to the impact of the regulatory environment on early childhood professionals' capacities to provide quality care.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAnnual Conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education
    Subtitle of host publicationproceedings
    EditorsJan Wright
    Place of PublicationDeakin, ACT
    PublisherAustralian Association for Research in Education
    Number of pages9
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    EventAustralian Association for Research in Education Conference - Melbourne, Australia
    Duration: 29 Nov 20042 Dec 2004

    Conference

    ConferenceAustralian Association for Research in Education Conference
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityMelbourne
    Period29/11/042/12/04

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Optimising professionalism and quality in long day care: early childhood professionals' perceptions of the impact of the regulatory environment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this