“I think it is forgotten that we’re right there on the frontline as well.”
That’s the sentiment from early childhood educator Ashley Greene.
As Director of The Learning Terrace in Port Stephens, she knows all too well the impact this second wave of coronavirus is not only having on the region but also on the education sector.
As part of the stay-at-home orders across the state, to keep their staff and families safe the centre is only allowing children of essential workers to attend.
But with that comes dramatically reduced numbers, the stress of the unknown and cut back staff hours.
“Generally speaking the majority of families have been really supportive, we’ve asked for families to stay away unless they are required to leave their house for work,” Ms Greene said.
“At the moment our focus is just making sure that the community is as safe as possible.
“Our educators have all dropped hours in the last few weeks so that has a pretty big impact on them.
“We are lucky that we do have that disaster payment from the government.
“However, the eligibility requirements for that payment are a little bit shocking to me.
“For instance, someone who is getting a single parent payment isn’t eligible for the full payment even though they’ve lost the same number of hours as everyone else and their single parent payment doesn’t increase so it’s nearly a little bit prejudiced.”
When asked if the government was doing enough to support the sector, Ms Greene was quick to answer with a no.
“Something that was released [earlier this month] was that if you are in a Sydney LGA and you are an early childhood educator you will have priority access to the Pfizer vaccine and we still do not have that here,” she explained.
“Which I think is absolutely ridiculous because we are doing the same job.
“It just kind of feels like the Hunter is somewhat forgotten, as most of regional NSW is.”
Ms Greene added it seems like people are overlooking the fact they are on the frontline as well.
“I am certainly not trying to take away from other sectors who are on the frontline, nurses, doctors, emergency services etc are all extremely important and respected but everyone forgets that early childhood is still open, it still operates, and we’re exposed to quite a large number of people each day,” she said.
“For every child that is coming in, there is a chance that you see two adults, one at drop off and one at pick up.
“We’re following all the precautions, we’re wearing masks, we’re doing all of that, but we have a pretty high exposure rate.
“If there was someone who was a positive case without realising, we are at risk.”
Lead toddler educator Kate Symington says one of the hardest parts is the impact it’s having on their relationships with the children.
“Not being able to see them every day and provide opportunities for the children to socialise, learn, explore, play, investigate and share joy is really difficult,” she said.
“It is such a confusing time for our children, it impacts them just as much as anyone else.
“I had one learner who I still see on the days I work, ask me, quite concerned, whether I would see them again.
“This moment made me realise that we need to support and help them understand what is happening in the world.”
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