Childcare Leadership Alliance (CLA) is an initiative led by Astute Early Years Specialists in conjunction with BMA (BHP Mitsubishi Alliance) to develop sustainable strategies for improving the accessibility and provision of childcare facilities in the Isaac region. It's purpose is to implement the Childcare Needs Assessment Study recommendations over a period of two years as a pilot project between CLA, BMA and Astute Early Years.

A study commissioned by BHP in 2022 found that not only is there a potential shortfall of places in early learning services to meet the needs of families in Moranbah and Dysart, but of the places that do exist, not all are being used due to staff shortages. Childcare services are struggling to attract and retain early childhood education and care professionals to the Isaac region due to low remuneration, housing affordability, the costs associated with living in remote communities, and access to professional learning and career advancement opportunities.

The CLA is led by Astute Early Years Specialists, who are drawing on their extensive experience as leaders in Childcare Management and connections to centres within the pilot region.

We are acutely aware that this initiative needs a whole of community approach, so the strategy of the CLA is to form connections with the local community (including the Isaac Regional Council, mining operators, childcare centre managers and staff, parents and families, and community groups) to help us shape sustainable strategies that will support the sector in the long term.

The CLA strategies are being constructed with the intention that they will serve as a blueprint for other regional communities experiencing similar challenges with childcare accessibility.

If you are an Educator, Centre Manager or other member of the sector outside of the Isaac region you can still benefit from our Professional Development resources, access this project here and follow the CLA Instagram and Facebook for other content to support your learning.

If you are a corporate partner interested in our work, complete the contact form below.

In order to create sustainable solutions we are seeking to work with local educators, schools, businesses, families, and community groups to develop solutions that will work given the context specific to the region and its unique landscape. This is why your voice matters!

All responses gathered through this consultation will help guide the CLA to shape our strategies and remain agile to the priorities of the sector and region. Your input will be reviewed alongside our research data to ensure that we have a comprehensive understanding of the issues.

While we may not be able to address every matter that is raised, we will consider all comments and suggestions.

Your personal information, including email address, is only collected when you elect to participate in an online consultation or submit an online form.

Only the Childcare Leadership Alliance and Astute Early Years Specialiats have access to your personal information and any data/comments collected.

Read our Privacy Statement for more information. 

Your ‘Screen Name’, ‘Avatar’ and ‘Comments’ will be publicly displayed if you choose to participate in our: 

• Online Forum
• Interactive Mapping
• Ideas Wall
• Interactive Document

Your survey submissions are not publicly displayed.

You can seek access and correct your personal information by emailing cla@weareastute.com.au