The truth about childcare quality in 2025

Something’s not working – and now it’s out in the open.  

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The Four Corners report on childcare exposed what many parents and educators already suspected: some centres are putting profits before children, and too many are getting away with it.

It’s frustrating, it’s confronting, but it also gives us a chance to act. Because the more informed we are, the better equipped we are to protect our kids and push for better care.

So, what exactly did the investigation find and what can parents do about it?

What the investigation uncovered

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The Four Corners team spoke to educators, whistleblowers and sector insiders. What they revealed wasn’t new to those working on the ground, but for many parents, it was deeply unsettling.

Discoveries included:

• Centres operating over the legal child-to-educator ratio
• Inadequate supervision, with children left unattended or unaccounted for
• Staff working without proper qualifications
• High rates of burnout, with educators describing unsafe workloads
• Providers more focused on profits and expansion than on quality care

While these issues aren’t happening everywhere, they show how stretched the system has become. Some centres are doing the bare minimum – and getting away with it.

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Why this matters (a lot)

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Because these are the people parents trust with their little ones. This is the place many kids spend 30+ hours a week. And for some families, it’s the only viable option for balancing work and parenting.

When childcare is high quality, it supports brain development, emotional security and social skills. When it’s not, the impacts can be felt for years.

Educators are the very backbone of this. When they’re supported, valued and given time to do their job properly, kids benefit. When they’re rushed, overwhelmed or under-resourced, things fall through the cracks.

If the system isn’t supporting educators, how can we expect it to support kids?

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Feeling unsettled? That’s fair.

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Hearing this can bring on a lot of emotions – guilt, worry, frustration. Maybe you’re wondering if your child’s current centre is doing enough. Maybe you’re on a waitlist and rethinking everything.

Let’s be clear: you haven’t done anything wrong. You’re doing your best in a system that isn’t always working the way it should. 

And on a positive note, most educators are in it for the right reasons. They genuinely care.

The key is knowing how to spot the difference.

What does good childcare look like?

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Let’s flip the script. These are the green flags:

• Warm, responsive educators who know your child and connect with them
• A calm and safe environment, even with the usual toddler chaos
• Structured flexibility – a rhythm to the day that still follows the child’s lead
• Regular updates – you know what’s happening and your questions are welcomed
• Low turnover – familiar faces create consistency and emotional safety

You don’t need to be an expert. If the energy feels calm, kids are engaged, and staff are approachable, that’s a good sign.

Red flags to be aware of

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While no centre is perfect, some signs can point to deeper problems:

• High staff turnover or a constant rotation of casuals
• Vague or inconsistent communication, especially around incidents
• Chaotic rooms, poor supervision or children looking withdrawn
• Staff seeming stressed, dismissive, or unavailable
• A gut feeling that something’s not right

Your instincts are valid. You know your child – and when something feels off, it’s okay to ask more questions.

Questions worth asking

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Whether you’re starting fresh or checking in with your current centre, here are some gentle-but-important questions to have in your back pocket:

• What’s your educator-to-child ratio throughout the day?
• How do you support your staff’s well-being?
• How do you manage supervision during outdoor or free play?
• What’s your approach to behaviour guidance and emotional regulation?
• What does a typical day look like for my child’s age group?

(And yes, you’re allowed to ask for a tour even after enrolment. Transparency shouldn’t stop at the waitlist.)

What to do if you’re worried

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Start by raising any concerns directly with the centre. This could be as simple as asking for clarification or requesting a meeting with the director. Document your concerns if needed, and don’t be afraid to follow up.

If you don’t feel heard – or if you’re worried about serious breaches – you can escalate. 

Each state has its own regulatory authority for early childhood education and care. You can also contact ACECQA, which oversees national standards and can guide next steps.

So… what now?

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The more we ask questions, push for transparency, and support the educators who are doing the work, the more we can shift things in the right direction.

Great childcare still exists, and you deserve to feel confident in your choice.

After all, you’re handing over your most precious person. You owe it to them to ensure that the daycare you’re sending them to is the best possible place for them. And that decision should never feel like a gamble.