I know a few people in the childcare game and I’ve heard quite a few stories about ABC over the last few years.

One person I know was considering buying a childcare centre and the accountant valued the business at around $400k. That business was bought by ABC for three times the price. Their business model seems to have been to buy up all childcare centres no matter what the price.

Now we see a situation where, ‘surprise, surprise’, they are in financial trouble. Banks are owed $762 Million and because the business is so big and people are so dependent on it, the government has had to step in.

Is there something for businesses and the public to learn from ABC Learning?

What is the real cost to our society when we put our children into day care so mothers can sit in an office?

I like the model that Mary Poppins use, where they provide childcare workers to come to your home. Perhaps there is a good solution that combines group play with one-on-one care?

We are presented with a great opportunity to inject some good changes into the whole issue of childcare. Will we live up to the challenge or will the government just bail out ABC and leave us more of the same?

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Chris Edwards is a Leadership Coach and Communication Strategist. He is a City2Surf Legend who applies the same focus and dedication to his clients that has powered him over the line year after year.

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