In a statement, Family Day Care Australia chief executive Carla Northam told SmartCompany there’s already been significant growth and demand from families for quality childcare and this growth is continuing across the board. “We have also seen a change in Australia’s workforce,” Northam says. “Gone are the days of the nine to five workday and there are an increasing number of parents employed outside of standard hours who are seeking flexible care options. Family day care is well placed to meet this demand with many educators providing care late at night, early in the morning, overnight and on weekends,” Northam says. “Family day care is an important part of Australia’s childcare landscape providing 104,130 families with quality, flexible and affordable early childhood education and care.” Northam cites flexibility, affordability and accessibility as key issues facing the government and the early childhood education and care sector. “It’s important that key stakeholders in the early childhood education and care sector work together to ensure adequate funding is provided to meet the growing demand for quality, flexible and affordable childcare options,” Northam says. In its statement, IBISWorld senior industry analyst Lauren Magner said demographic changes within Australia will fuel demand for a range of products and services, including childcare. “An increase in the population that uses the industry’s services will lead to strong growth in demand for childcare,” Magner said.\r

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“This will be aided by the continued rise in the female labour participation rate and ongoing government assistance through the Child Care Rebate and Child Care Benefit.”