Just to clarify - I don't think there is a problem with children in childcare learning while they are there, no harm in it at all.

Just that IMO it should not be the foremost thing about childcare; at least for me, it's not why I am sending my child there. So to pay staff based on their education & how they can best educate my child, is not the most important thing for me. I would like to see centre staff employed for the job they do with the children & how they interact with them ITMS.

ETA - I haven't used the term 'babysitter' - I wouldn't think it accurate - but it shouldn't be underestimated either, the importance of leaving your children in the care of someone else. Just because you are leaving them in care and not specifically to be educated, absolutely does not place any lesser value on the job those carers do.
I suppose it differs from centre to centre - but my centre has a large kindy (3 yo) and pre prep (4yo) following from non working mums - who are actually looking for the educational aspect. Of course caring adn loving goes hand in hand with this and the nuturing loving part is a high focus in the littlies - but it's got to be well rounded for all ages of children. What I am trying to say is depending on the age of the children, caring or education has the priority role.