Staff Shortages in Children's Services: Challenging taken-for-granted discourses

Abstract

This article is concerned with the continuing staff shortages in Australian long day care services. To expand possibilities for addressing this ongoing problem, the article advocates the use of discourse as a theoretical and practical tool for reframing discussions about staff shortages. Drawing on discourses of crisis and professionalism as examples, it suggests refocusing conversations and action around discourses of opportunity and critical professionalism, rather than the gendered professionalism traditionally associated with children's services.