ERIC Number: EJ854427
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Mar
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1836-9391
EISSN: N/A
Improving the Representation of Indigenous Workers in the Mainstream Childcare Workplace
Hutchins, Teresa; Frances, Katie; Saggers, Sherry
Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, v34 n1 p2-9 Mar 2009
This article is concerned with the under-representation of Indigenous workers in mainstream childcare services and the associated problem of the under-representation of Indigenous children in such services. Specifically, it focuses on workforce issues that serve as barriers to both attracting and/or retaining Indigenous staff. The research methods included focus groups, community consultations and interviews with key stakeholders in the childcare field, in order to identify Indigenous childcare workers' needs and preferences as well as those of their children, families and communities. An analysis of international and national literature on the Indigenous childcare workforce provided a context for the evidence presented from the focus groups and individual consultations, and as a point of reference to compare existing understandings to those arising from these discussions. The research findings highlight three key issues that serve as significant barriers to Indigenous people entering and/or remaining in the childcare workforce, and to Indigenous children and families accessing mainstream childcare services: the lack of the provision of culturally safe workplaces, the lack of flexible employment practices, and the lack of opportunities for Indigenous workers to receive on-the-job training. (Contains 2 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Employment Practices, Indigenous Populations, Focus Groups, On the Job Training, Child Care, Disproportionate Representation, Equal Opportunities (Jobs), Barriers, Work Environment, Interviews, Caregivers, Access to Education, Cultural Pluralism, Cultural Differences, Foreign Countries
Early Childhood Australia. P.O. Box 7105, Watson, ACT 2602, Australia. Tel: +61-2-6242-1800; Fax: +61-2-6242-1818; e-mail: publishing@earlychildhood.org.au; Web site: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A