Photo: Victorian School Building Authority By Catherine Watson
WHEN the Y (formerly YMCA) opened a new kinder in the Newhaven Primary School at the start of the year, many local families breathed a sigh of relief.
With most Phillip Island kinders fully booked, some families had been forced to take their children as far as Bass or Wonthaggi for kinder sessions.
The relief has turned to frustration as sessions are cancelled at short notice due to a shortage of trained staff at Newhaven and at the Y’s other kinders in Wonthaggi and Inverloch.
*Natasha told the Post that so far in term 2 her four-year-old had only attended two full days of kinder at Newhaven with four sessions cancelled and five shortened to half days.
WHEN the Y (formerly YMCA) opened a new kinder in the Newhaven Primary School at the start of the year, many local families breathed a sigh of relief.
With most Phillip Island kinders fully booked, some families had been forced to take their children as far as Bass or Wonthaggi for kinder sessions.
The relief has turned to frustration as sessions are cancelled at short notice due to a shortage of trained staff at Newhaven and at the Y’s other kinders in Wonthaggi and Inverloch.
*Natasha told the Post that so far in term 2 her four-year-old had only attended two full days of kinder at Newhaven with four sessions cancelled and five shortened to half days.
Parents are commonly texted about cancellations or half days between 7-9pm the night before, making it difficult for them to make alternative arrangements, or to notify employers or customers.
“Many parents have used all their carers’ and sick leave taking time off due to kindergarten being cancelled. It’s affecting the local economy and proving frustrating for employers.”
Since she works from home, Natasha she often invites other kinder parents to leave their children with her for a morning or afternoon.
She stressed that parents have no problem with the local kinder staff who are also affected by the situation.
“The educators currently don’t receive breaks during their shifts due to lack of staff. And it’s a real concern for the well-being/mental health of the staff who are going above and beyond to do their best to offer what they can.”
She said the uncertainty was also affecting the children. “It’s telling that kinders stayed open during Covid, unlike schools, because everyone realised how crucial these years are.
“Now their routine is out of whack. They don’t know what to expect. We do see children who are struggling with going and not going. You see it at the drop offs now. It’s making them unsure if they want to be there.”
The State Government announced funding in last year’s budget for the three- and four-year- old programs. Natasha said the Y was funded to deliver the programs but not honouring its kindergarten service delivery obligations.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said the disruption was occurring at all Y centres in Bass Coast. “I totally understand parents’ frustration and disappointment. It’s disruptive for the children’s learning and transition to school and also for the families given the many late notifications.”
Ms Crugnale said she had informed the Education Minister of parents’ concerns in April/May. The Department of Education was now monitoring the situation and working with the Y to see if there further workforce supports are required. She will meet with the Y next week.
Following complaints from parents, Bass Coast Shire Council has also been in talks with the Y about how it intends to meet its obligations.
Vicki Dobson, executive manager of children’s services for the Y, told the Post that, like all providers in the early years sector, the Y was facing unprecedented workforce shortages in both permanent and casual relief roles.
“We appreciate and are sympathetic to the impact that any adjustments to sessions have on our families, particularly at short notice, and are working hard to bolster casual and relief options to support services.”
“The Y is using agency staff, casual relief teachers (CRTs), recruitment agencies and relocation incentives to cover gaps but the shortage of supply of temps/CRTs is also part of the workforce shortages experienced across the sector.
“We encourage any qualified early years workers to apply for our casual pool via our current vacancies page at ykinders.org.au.”
* Not her real name. Natasha asked not to be identified.
“Many parents have used all their carers’ and sick leave taking time off due to kindergarten being cancelled. It’s affecting the local economy and proving frustrating for employers.”
Since she works from home, Natasha she often invites other kinder parents to leave their children with her for a morning or afternoon.
She stressed that parents have no problem with the local kinder staff who are also affected by the situation.
“The educators currently don’t receive breaks during their shifts due to lack of staff. And it’s a real concern for the well-being/mental health of the staff who are going above and beyond to do their best to offer what they can.”
She said the uncertainty was also affecting the children. “It’s telling that kinders stayed open during Covid, unlike schools, because everyone realised how crucial these years are.
“Now their routine is out of whack. They don’t know what to expect. We do see children who are struggling with going and not going. You see it at the drop offs now. It’s making them unsure if they want to be there.”
The State Government announced funding in last year’s budget for the three- and four-year- old programs. Natasha said the Y was funded to deliver the programs but not honouring its kindergarten service delivery obligations.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said the disruption was occurring at all Y centres in Bass Coast. “I totally understand parents’ frustration and disappointment. It’s disruptive for the children’s learning and transition to school and also for the families given the many late notifications.”
Ms Crugnale said she had informed the Education Minister of parents’ concerns in April/May. The Department of Education was now monitoring the situation and working with the Y to see if there further workforce supports are required. She will meet with the Y next week.
Following complaints from parents, Bass Coast Shire Council has also been in talks with the Y about how it intends to meet its obligations.
Vicki Dobson, executive manager of children’s services for the Y, told the Post that, like all providers in the early years sector, the Y was facing unprecedented workforce shortages in both permanent and casual relief roles.
“We appreciate and are sympathetic to the impact that any adjustments to sessions have on our families, particularly at short notice, and are working hard to bolster casual and relief options to support services.”
“The Y is using agency staff, casual relief teachers (CRTs), recruitment agencies and relocation incentives to cover gaps but the shortage of supply of temps/CRTs is also part of the workforce shortages experienced across the sector.
“We encourage any qualified early years workers to apply for our casual pool via our current vacancies page at ykinders.org.au.”
* Not her real name. Natasha asked not to be identified.