PRE SCHOOL MATTERS VICTORIAN ELECTION: EARLY YEARS Q&A 2019 CONFERENCE PREVIEW 2019 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - Early Learning Association ...
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The voice for parents and service providers PRE SCHOOL MATTERS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PREPARING CHILDREN FOR LIFE TERM FOUR 2018 VICTORIAN ELECTION: EARLY YEARS Q&A 2019 CONFERENCE PREVIEW 2019 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 1
PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
Add the recent commitment by the Victorian ALP to invest
$1.68 billion to build around 785 new preschools in Victoria, and
upgrade another 170, and our sector now finds itself on the cusp
Your super is of a period of unprecedented investment and growth.
in expert hands This time last year in my Preschool Matters
President’s report I wrote of how ELAA’s
www.countingonyou.org.au . Once there, go to
the ‘Get Involved’ page where there are seven
advocacy work (and that of the wider sector) actions you can take to remind our politicians of
had successfully elevated early learning, its the importance of early childhood education
benefits, and the question of how it was and care to children, families, early years
adequately funded into the national spotlight workers, and the nation.
– after years of campaigning. In this edition of Preschool Matters there is a
Fast forward nearly 12 months and it’s almost huge overview of ELAA’s Early Learning – We
hard to believe that ongoing funding for Are Counting on You election campaign
universal access to 3 and 4-year-old including a Q&A with the ALP, Liberal/National,
kindergarten is now officially a marquee policy and Greens spokespeople on the early years
With over 2.2 million members, AustralianSuper is Australia’s for both the Federal and Victorian ALP, while (pages 10-17); details on how you can register
various levels of universal access for 3-year-olds for ELAA’s 2019 Professional Development
largest industry super fund. It’s also the most trusted, having were announced in a number of other States program (pages 28-29); and a sneak preview of
been voted Australia’s Most Trusted Superannuation Brand during the year. Add the recent commitment by our new look 2019 Early Childhood Education
for the sixth year running*. This means you can be confident the Victorian ALP to invest $1.68 billion to build Conference (pages 30-32) which has an exciting
around 785 new preschools in Victoria, and new venue and format. There’s also a great
your super is in the expert hands of an award-winning fund. upgrade another 170, and our sector now finds piece on building early years education capacity
itself on the cusp of a period of unprecedented in the visual arts (pages 40-43); tips on making
Find out more australiansuper.com/compare investment and growth. the most of technology in the early ears (pages
While there has been some great progress 37-39) plus all our regular sections on advocacy,
made in the past 12 months, there is more work policy updates, sector news and more.
to do to ensure electoral policies and promises I hope you enjoy this edition of Preschool
are put into practice. So, before the Victorian Matters and wish all our members the very best
State election on 24 November and afterwards, for the holiday period and new year.
in the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election, I
A002 07/18
* Readers Digest Most Trusted Brand – Superannuation 2013–2018. Before you decide if AustralianSuper is right for you, read the Product Disclosure Document
available at australiansuper.com or by calling 1300 300 273. Awards should be considered among other factors when making a financial decision. AustralianSuper urge you to visit our election campaign website Lee Cath, President, ELAA
Pty Ltd ABN 94 006457987, AFSL 233788, the Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714394 898.
Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 3
IN THIS
EDITION
04 Q & A: WHEN EMPLOYEES HAVE
BEEN AFFECTED BY TRAUMA
10 VIC ELECTION CAMPAIGN
AND Q & A
18 THE BIG QUESTIONS
FOR EARLY LEARNING
20
15
A FAIR AND SMART AUSTRALIA
- TWO YEARS OF PRESCHOOL
22 MEMBER PROFILE
41
COVER: Congratulations to Kelly Cooper from
24 ADVOCACY Chelsea Kindergarten on being named 2018
McArthur Early Childhood Volunteer of the Year
26
at the ELAA AGM.
REGS IN FOCUS
Kelly was chosen from a field of seven very
30 28 2019 PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
strong finalists and is typical of the volunteers
that make such a difference to Australia’s
not-for-profit early childhood education and care
sector. As Vice-President, her work on Chelsea
30 2019 EARLY CHILDHOOD
EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Kindergarten’s Committee of Management
spans grant applications, OHS, staff liaison,
34
supporting staff and the Committee in
SAFE TRANSPORTATION
OF CHILDREN preparing the Kindergarten’s Quality
Improvement Plan and Assessment and Rating
37 process. This year, Kelly continued on the
35
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
13
IN THE EARLY YEARS Committee even though her child had moved on
to Prep.
40 THE ART OF THE MATTER Well done Kelly.
CEO David Worland All rights reserved. This publication cannot be
President Lee Cath reproduced in any form without written permission
Editor James Gardener from the publisher.
Creative Director Natalie Matheson Preschool Matters © ELAA 2018. Preschool Matters
belongs to ELAA.
Contributing writer and
editorial advisor Lisa Minchin ISSN 1448-9597 Reg No A0024070C
Advertising James Gardener ABN 39058205158
Level 3, 145 Smith Street, Preschool Matters is a quarterly magazine which communicates issues and developments that concern and
Fitzroy Vic 3065 assist members in the effective management of early childhood services.
PO Box 1246, Disclaimer Early Learning Association Australia and its employees accept no responsibility for the performance of
Collingwood Vic 3066 the products and services advertised in this newsletter. The listing of products and services in this publication does
Phone (03) 9489 3500 not constitute a recommendation. To the maximum extent permitted by law, all warranties, terms, conditions and
Rural 1300 730 119 any duty of care, which otherwise may arise or be imposed on Early Learning Association Australia as well as Early
Email elaa@elaa.org.au Learning Association Australia’s liability to any person in connection with the products and services advertised in
Web www.elaa.org.au this newsletter, are hereby excluded.
4
Q&A
OUR EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY A RECENT TRAUMA AT THE
SERVICE. WHERE CAN EMPLOYEES GO FOR HELP?
Some larger services are fortunate to have
an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in
place and employees can access support
through this. Generally this is cost
prohibitive for small employers but there
are a number of ways that help can be
accessed.
• Employees may be able to access some
support through their local GPs.
• VicHealth, SuperFriend and WorkSafe
Victoria have formed a collaboration to
help workplaces create positive and
supportive work cultures and
environments that enable workers to
be happy, healthy and productive at
work. They have a number of resources
available at http://leadingwellvic.com.
au/resource-centre/?#resources .
• The Better Health Channel also has
some resources. https://www.
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/
Fortunately this is not a common occurrence healthyliving/workplace-safety-coping-
in children’s services but there are occasions with-a-critical-incident
where a staff member, a parent or a child is
• WIRE (Women’s Information Referral
seriously injured or dies. Employers have a
Exchange) - WIRE provides free
duty to monitor the health of employees and
information, support and referral
to provide support where necessary. There
information for women across Victoria.
was some discussion at the recent ELAA
They provide a Telephone Support
conference during a session presented by
Service, Women’s Information Centre,
Victorian Minister for Mental Health – Martin
online Livechat support and email
Foley; WorkSafe Chief Executive – Claire
support service www.dvrcv.org.au/
Amies; Albert Park Kindergarten Director –
womens-information-referral-
Jenny Whelan; and Marcela Slepica from
exchange-wire .
Access EAP.
6 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 7
CEO’S
REPORT
almost $5 billion over the next all sides of politics to adopt quality, workforce
decade to ensure all three- these much needed policy development, and planning. To
year-old children in Victoria reforms. Additionally, ultimate find out more about these key
can attend up to 15 hours a outcomes will be influenced by issues and to support ELAA’s
week of 3-year-old election results, and a high state election campaign Early
kindergarten either at no cost level of cooperation will be Learning – We Are Counting
(depending on family income) needed between the On You, visit www.
or at a significantly subsidised Commonwealth and State countingonyou.org.au and go
rate (up to 65 percent). This governments before these to the Get Involved page to
was then followed up a few policy initiatives become learn more about the seven
2019 Early Childhood Education Conference
days later by a further reality. direct actions we have created
announcement by the for members and supporters. ELAA and Gowrie Victoria are currently working with the
What a huge month we just Andrews Government that, if Victorian Early Conference Reference Committee to plan our 2019 Early
witnessed at both a Federal re-elected, it would commit Years Policy Debate Professional Childhood Education Conference. Responding to delegate
and State level in regards to $1.68 billion over the next / pre-election development feedback, the event in 2019 will be moved to the state-of-
policy and funding decade to the building of campaign Our 2019 ELAA Early Learning the-art-facilities of Crown Conference Centre at the rear of
announcements for the early approximately 785 new Professional Learning and the Promenade Hotel. The event will feature a mix of
Together with ECA and CCC,
childhood education and care kindergartens and expand Development Calendar is now international and local speakers, with cutting edge
ELAA hosted a Victorian Early
sector. At a Federal level, we about 170 others. This available on the ELAA website. presentations and workshops linked to the NQS, VEYLDF and
Years Policy Debate on
saw the ALP leader, Bill represents an unprecedented Go to www.elaa.org.au/pld and EYLF. In 2019, the program will feature content ‘streams’
Thursday 11 October 2018.
Shorten, promise to extend level of investment in Victoria’s advance the calendar to March that target the needs of different delegate cohorts including
Facilitated by Dr Charlene
access to 15 hours of subsidised early childhood education 2019 and beyond to see sched- approved providers, leaders, teachers and educators.
Smith from the Mitchell
early learning to three-year-old sector and is an essential uled sessions. Next year’s ses- Keynote speakers and other event features will be
Institute, the policy forum
preschool children, also component to deliver on the sions feature innovations such announced shortly.
provided a unique opportunity
promising to ensure that the policy of universal access to 15 for members to engage as sessions with common and
Commonwealth portion of the hours of kindergarten and directly with Minister Jenny streamed content tailored to
funding would be ongoing – extending it to three-year-olds. Mikakos (ALP), Shadow attendees needs e.g. educators,
for children in both four and Minister Georgie Crozier service managers etc. and
These policy announcements,
three-year-old funded (Liberal Party) and Nina opportunities for attendees to
both State and Federal, are
kindergarten programs. In Springle (Greens). influence the session content
good news for early learning
more good news, the Federal prior to each session.
providers, parents, our During the Debate, each of the
ALP promised to axe upfront Finally, I would like to thank
children, early childhood three party spokespersons
fees for 10,000 early childhood you for renewing your ELAA
workers, and the nation’s responded to the key policy
education TAFE students. membership for 2018/19. We
prosperity. However, while all areas outlined in our Victorian
We also welcomed the these pre-election pledges are election policy paper Creating look forward to supporting you
announcement by Victorian very welcome, our celebration children’s future today – Joint during the coming year as we
Premier, Daniel Andrews, that must be tempered by the fact Victorian State Election all work towards achieving our
a re-elected Victorian ALP that there is significant work Submission. Those four key shared vision of excellence in David Worland
Government will commit to be undertaken to influence policy areas include access, early learning for every child. CEO, ELAA
8 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 9
NEWS &
EVENTS
Farewell David Haesler was almost identical to mine room at KPV office one night ELAA members star in Vic Early Years Awards
so my committee were and we came up with the Congratulations to the ELAA members who were recognised
impressed.” concept of ECMS (Early in the 2018 Victorian Early Years Awards during October.
Around this time David saw Childhood Management
Banyan Fields Kindergarten (Community Kinders Plus) in
the KPV advertisement for a Services) and even invented
Carrum Downs were thrilled to have staff member, Nicole
Payline Support Person and the name. I remember when
Bechaz, named Early Childhood Teacher of The Year while
thought “I can do that”. “My bestchance first became
Community Kinders Plus (Frankston and Mornington
job was telephone support for interested in kindergartens.
Peninsula) received the Emeritus Professor Collette Tayler
all the kindergartens using They used to be called Child
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award. Community
Payline (payroll). By my second and Family Care Network. I
Kinders Plus were also a finalist in Category 3: Creating
year at KPV I was doing all the sat down with people there
Collaborative Community Partnerships.
Payline training as well. My and got them off the
role just grew and grew and ground.” Other ELAA members who were finalists in this year’s Awards
by 1999 I became full-time. included Barwon Child, Youth and Family - finalist: Category
David will leave ELAA in
That’s when the GST was 1: Improving Access and Participation in Early Learning and
mid-November after nearly
introduced so I took six Gowrie Victoria - finalist: Category 6: The Emeritus Professor
24 years of service, although
months off the phones and Collette Tayler Excellence in Educational Leadership Awards
his association with ELAA is
wrote a GST implementation not entirely over as he was A full list of awards finalists and winners and details about
David Haesler is retiring from ELAA after nearly 24 years of service.
kit for the Kindergartens.” awarded honorary life their projects can be found at www.education.vic.gov.au/
After the introduction of the membership at the 2018 about/awards
It’s now rare for someone to kindergarten’s committees of
have spent nearly a quarter of management. His background GST David expanded his role Annual General Meeting. He
a century with the one as a maths teacher also came to include Industrial Relations plans to enjoy retirement
employer but it is with joy and in handy as he custom-built and was a regular at catching up on odd jobs,
a touch of sadness that the financial management models Commission hearings, traveling and spending time
ELAA community celebrates to help his committees representing ELAA members with his two grandchildren.
such an achievement with our manage costs. and the Victorian not-for- “I want to see what Africa’s
Membership Services Officer profit early learning sector on go to offer. I’ve done Europe
“At the end of 1994 the
(HR/IR portfolio) David industrial issues. “The twice and South America,
funding regime had changed
Haesler. We mention sadness industrial system in those Canada, and Hawaii.”
and I had done a whole lot of
because David has elected to days meant that whenever David’s final thoughts about
calculations (in my role as
retire this November. there was the slightest change the early learning sector?
Treasurer) on the impact of
in an award then you had to “It’s all about the people you
David joined ELAA (then the funding at the
front up to a full bench of the meet and the volunteers
known as Kindergarten kindergarten I was at and
commission all suited up.” that do an extraordinary job
Parents Victoria or KPV) in provided all that information
January 1995. As his four to my committee. This was David has also witnessed the for kindergartens. You just
children progressed through probably a month before KPV growth of Early Years Mangers build up relationships with
kindergarten, he had sent out their information on (clusters) throughout the early some of them. I’m always in
volunteered as Vice President the funding changes and, not years sector. “I remember there awe of what the volunteers Nicole Bechaz, from Banyan Fields Kindergarten (Community Kinders
and Treasurer on their surprisingly, their information were three of us sitting in a do for Kindergartens.” Plus) was named 2018 Early Childhood Teacher of The Year.
10 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 11
WE ARE
The Victorian and Federal • improve the regulation of funded registered
EARLYX training organisations
Governments to work together to:
LEARNING • develop and implement a workforce strategy
COUNTING ON YOU
• negotiate a new National Partnership
to ensure early childhood education and care
Agreement to guarantee ongoing funding
services are adequately staffed with well-
for 15 hours of preschool in the year before
trained early and middle childhood
school professionals who feel supported and
• extend the National Partnership Agreement whose skills are valued and recognised
ELAA ELECTIONS CAMPAIGN
to 15 hours of preschool for ALL children in • invest in the sustainability of Early Years
three-year-old preschool programs Management Services
With the 2018 Victorian State Election All political parties • confirm a renewed commitment to funding • develop a cross-government agreement to
on November 24 and a Federal contesting the 2018 Victorian and developing the National Quality agenda plan for and integrate education and care. ∆
Election likely before the end of May
election to commit to:
next year, ELAA has launched its
• continuing the implementation of the
Victorian and Federal pre-elections
Early Childhood Reform Plan
campaign, Early Learning - We Are
Counting On You. • immediately expanding three-year old
preschool to 15 hours per week in
Victoria to a wider group of children
The campaign seeks to ensure that, ahead of
experiencing disadvantage
both elections, our main political parties
affirm their support for an early childhood • increasing investment in assessment
education and care system that is accessible and rating in Victoria to enable services
by all, founded on quality, staffed by an to be assessed at least every three
appropriately skilled and rewarded workforce, years
and meets community needs today and into • leading the nation with affordable high
the future through forward thinking and quality services accessible to all
collaborative planning. Victorian children and families
While Australian state and federal • continuing the implementation of the
governments have introduced some Murrung Aboriginal Education Plan
significant improvements to early childhood 2016-2026.
education and care policy and resourcing over • ensuring that current and long-term
the past decade, there is a long way to go facilities and equipment planning is
until we catch up with other OECD countries linked to community needs and in step
like New Zealand and the UK. with projected population levels
Specifically, the campaign seeks a • including early education and care
commitment from the main political parties qualifications on the Free TAFE for
contesting the next Victorian and Federal Priority Courses initiative and increase
elections to publically support the following: the number of funded places.
∆
12 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 13
CAMPAIGN RESOURCES AND EVENTS
Joint Victorian State Election Each speaker delivered an address to an
Submission audience of over 100 service providers,
educators, and sector supporters that focused
Ahead of the 2018 Victorian State Election,
on the four key themes from the Joint Election
ELAA, Community Child Care, and Early
Submission followed by a Q&A with the
Childhood Australian (Victoria Branch) released
audience. For more details see page 18 and 19.
a Joint Election Submission that articulated
their collective vision for early and middle
Campaign Website
childhood education and care services in
Victoria. The Submission called on all the The website www.countingonyou.org.au spells
State’s political parties to ‘create our children’s out the major policy and funding commitments
future today’ by committing to actions sought from all parties contesting the
spanning four key areas i.e. access, quality, November Victorian State Election as well as the
workforce advancement, and planning. The key matters the Victorian and Federal
submission document was also used to brief governments should be working together on to
early years education and care spokespeople deliver an early childhood education and care
from the ALP, Liberal Party, and Greens system worthy of a leading OECD nation.
participating in the Victorian Early Years Policy The site features a campaign supporter sign-up
Debate. form; a preformatted email to send to the
relevant Victorian and Federal politicians
Victorian Early Years Policy responsible for Early Childhood Education and Seven simple things can you do to support the campaign?
Debate Care; tips on using social media; and resources There’s plenty you can do to support the campaign -
During October, ELAA, in partnership with that early years services and individuals can in fact there’s seven specific actions on the Campaign website’s Get Involved
Community Child Care and Early Childhood use to help support the campaign including a page that you and your service can do straight away including:
Australia (Victoria Branch), presented a downloadable A3 poster, email signature
1. Sign up to the campaign
Victorian Early Years Policy Debate featuring: graphic, social media postcards, the Joint
Election Submission, and sample text for 2. Email the politicians
Jenny Mikakos – Minister for Families and
service providers to use when encouraging 3. Use the social media resources
Children, Minister for Early Childhood
their communities and staff to support the 4. Send your story to the campaign.
Education, and Minister for Youth Affairs
campaign.
Georgie Crozier – Shadow Minister for Families 5. Print and display the campaign poster in your service
ELAA will keep members and 6. Add the campaign graphic to your email signature
and Children
supporters advised of more
Nina Springle – Deputy Leader for the 7. Tell parents and careers about the campaign.
campaign resources and activities
Victorian Greens and Spokesperson for Do all seven or just one. Just do what you can as every little bit helps support our
Women, Families and Children. as each election draws closer.
services, staff, children and families.
∆
14 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 15
Nina Springle – Greens
A PRE-ELECTION Q & A The Victorian Greens consider education a
public good and a significant contributor to
personal and community wellbeing and
WITH VICTORIA’S SPOKESPEOPLE ON EARLY LEARNING social fulfilment, as well as economic
prosperity and environmental sustainability.
Early childhood education is an essential
component of learning and it should be free
and culturally appropriate. The Greens’ fully
costed election platform includes six hours
per week of free kinder for three-year-olds
and our position is that two years of
preschool should be co-funded by state and
federal governments. We also support
Jenny Mikakos - ALP Georgie Crozier Nina Springle – Greens increased investment and support for out-of-
Minister for Families and – Liberal / National Deputy Leader and school hours care to enable more schools to Georgie Crozier – Liberal / National
Children, Early Childhood Shadow Minister for Families spokesperson for Women,
deliver their own programs.
Education, and Youth Affairs. and Children Families and Children. The Liberal Nationals are committed to the
National Quality Framework, which provides
2. What is the party’s position the foundation for improving the quality and
for ensuring the National intensity of delivery of early childhood
1.What is your party’s Georgie Crozier – Liberal / Quality Framework and National education.
commitment to increasing National
Quality Standards continue as The Liberal Nationals believe that there should
access to early childhood and The Liberal Nationals believe that there is the vehicles for improving be an overarching strategy for the provision of
out of school hours care, nothing more important for the future service quality in Victoria? support into strengthening families and
including providing two years of prosperity of an individual than a good improving quality education, so that as a
education, starting in early years. Jenny Mikakos – ALP starting point every Victorian child can reach
preschool?
It is imperative that Governments at all The Andrews Labor Government is his or her potential.
Jenny Mikakos – ALP unequivocal about the importance of the
levels continue to recognise the value of
NQF and NQS in early childhood education Nina Springle – Greens
A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will early education and provide for the
introduce universal three-year-old kindergarten necessary support. The Council of and care. Quality is of prime importance in early
for all Victorian children. We will invest almost Australian Governments (COAG) has been Despite comparable nations recognising the education and a key priority for the Victorian
$5 billion over the next decade to deliver a full working to ensure that continued funding benefits of quality early childhood education, Greens. Investment in the National Quality
15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten, with is provided for early childhood education, the Federal Liberal Government’s response is Framework and Standards cannot be a time-
rollout beginning in 2020. so it is incumbent on any Victorian to cut funding for the regulation of quality. bound investment. If we expect continued
quality – and we must – then investment needs
Victoria is already leading the nation when it Government to continue with the We have already invested $22.8 million to to be ongoing and commensurate with these
comes to early years services. We understand necessary and required negotiations. significantly increase support to kindergarten expectations. The Greens will continue to
that the greatest investment we can make as a It will be the aim of a Liberal Nationals services to improve their quality, including advocate strongly for federal funding for the
Government is in the early childhood education Government to cooperatively work with new specialist staff to work with services to National Quality Agenda to be reinstated with
of our littlest Victorians and we are ready to the Commonwealth to ensure that the respond to quality improvement priorities a long-term commitment. State and territory
take the next step. necessary funding is delivered so that and provide appropriate supports. governments and the Commonwealth have a
We will continue to advocate to the every Victorian child will be presented We are clear about lifting quality in the early joint, ongoing responsibility for improving and
Commonwealth Government for ongoing with every opportunity to reach his or her years because this is where it matters the maintaining nationally consistent and high
funding for four-year-old kindergarten. potential. most. quality education and care for children.
16 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 17
3. What are your party’s plans Nina Springle – Greens
for developing a workforce strat- The Greens’ place an emphasis on investment
egy to attract, retain, develop in training and education – with a focus on
and motivate skilled educators? TAFE – and on fair pay and rewards for ECEC
workers. We believe early childhood education
Jenny Mikakos – ALP
qualifications should be added to the free TAFE
The Andrews Labor Government understands list to remove any financial barriers that may
that a professional and skilled workforce is currently exist for those wanting to enter the
critical to achieving quality early childhood sector. We will continue to work with the
education and care services. sector, unions and employers to develop a fair
Our Budget this year included $8 million for and sustainable workforce strategy that
scholarships to attract new early childhood ensures fair pay and conditions for all workers
teachers to the field and for existing educators and removes significant barriers to building
who wish to upskill to a teaching qualification. and retaining a skilled and committed
We are also providing an additional payment workforce.
for those early childhood teachers who find
work in regional or rural locations. 4. How does your party plan to
Our commitment to expand universal access to ensure a sustainable and
three-year-old kindergarten includes a significant responsive services system
investment to support workforce attraction. which meets community needs
Georgie Crozier – Liberal / National today and into the future?
The success of Victoria’s early education Jenny Mikakos – ALP
system relies heavily on how well its workforce Through our Early Childhood Reform Plan, the
performs. The Liberal Nationals value the Andrews Labor Government is committed to
contributions of Victoria’s early childhood
building a more connected early childhood
educators and a future Liberal Nationals Georgie Crozier – Liberal / National designing and providing appropriate support
education and care system, in partnership with coordination.
government will be committed to an education The 2017 VAGO Report into Effectively Planning
local government, the Commonwealth, and the
system with appropriately resourced educators for Population Growth highlighted the
sector. Nina Springle – Greens
who are leaders in their field. disparate nature and massive shortfalls in early
We have invested significantly in reforms such education delivery particularly in Victoria’s Our devolved, mixed model of early education
We will explore various strategies successfully
as school readiness funding, language growth areas. and care has resulted in a highly fragmented
done by other jurisdictions and assess how
programs, dedicated inclusive education and under-regulated sector. Oversight,
they may effectively work in Victoria. We will A future Liberal Nationals Government will be
funding, expansion of Maternal and Child cohesion and effective long-term planning are
also review the various policy changes committed to planning for the ongoing needs
Health services and state-wide rollout of inadequate, as pointed out by the Victorian
administered by the Andrews Government and of a growing Victorian population. This will
Supported Playgroups. Auditor General in 2017. The Greens would
explore stronger partnerships with all tiers of include supporting infrastructure development undertake a major review of the sector, as well
Government. We have delivered a record investment of in growth areas but also utilising a as projected growth, to map out gaps in
The Liberal Nationals’ decentralisation policy $123.6 million over the past four years to build, decentralisation policy that will take the infrastructure and demand for specific types of
provides greater opportunity to grow our State expand and improve Victoria’s kindergartens - pressure off inner urban areas. services. This review would form the basis of a
with a focus on all of Victoria and not just triple what the previous Liberal Government The Liberal Nationals believe that to allow the long-term strategy to ensure that we’re
metropolitan Melbourne. This will assist in budgeted for – creating more than 8,250 early education system to flourish, programs properly planning for future needs over the
attracting and retaining a vital workforce in additional three and four-year-old kindergarten must reflect the needs of a child. This will be coming decades, with a strong focus on public
rural and regional areas. places across the State. achieved by working with the sector in co- and community-run education and care.18 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 19
POLICY DEBATE TACKLES THE BIG
QUESTIONS FOR EARLY LEARNING
Georgie Crozier, Nina Springle and Jenny Mikakos.
educators, carers and other early years placing a priority on levels of attendance in
workers are recognised, rewarded and 4-year-old programs prior to considering
developed appropriately as education expanding universal access to 3-year-olds.
and care professionals
Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for
• planning based on real community Families and Children, Nina Springle, outlined
In the lead up to the Victorian Election on November 24, ELAA, in partnership with need, projected population growth and the Greens policy including six hours per
Community Child Care, and Early Childhood Australia (Victoria Branch), presented the changing approaches to learning. week of free kinder for 3-year-olds and
Victorian Early Years Policy Debate at the Mantra Bell City in Preston on 11 October.
ELAA CEO, David Worland, gave an overview co-funding of two years of preschool by state
of the Joint Election Submission prior to the and federal governments. She said the
party representatives presenting their Greens would advocate strongly for
Over a 100 independent service providers, Each politician was asked to respond to
response. reinstatement of federal funding for the
educators, Early Years Managers, peak body four major themes concerning the future of
National Quality Agenda and flagged that
representatives, and other early years early childhood education and care in Minister Mikakos focussed on the Victorian
the Greens would undertake a major review
stakeholders attended the event to hear how Victoria. These themes formed the basis of ALP’s recent policy announcements
regarding guaranteeing 15 hours of early of the sector, as well as projected growth, to
our political leaders plan to support and a Joint Victorian State Election Submission
develop early childhood education and care in prepared by ELAA, CCC, and ECA Vic, learning for 4-year-olds, extending it to map out gaps in infrastructure and demand
Victoria. entitled Creating children’s future today 3-year-olds, and building new and for specific types of services with a strong
which was provided to each speaker prior upgrading kindergarten facilities across the focus on public and community-run
The debate was chaired by Dr Charlene Smith
to the debate. The four themes were: State. She announced that representatives education and care.
from the Mitchell Institute and featured:
• ensuring access for all children to from educators, employers, unions, local After each political representative
Jenny Mikakos - Minister for Families and communities, and other stakeholders would
quality early childhood education and presented their vision for early learning in
Children, Minister for Early Childhood be invited to form an Implementation
care Victoria there as a 20 minute Q&A session
Education, and Minister for Youth Affairs
Working Group (in December) to plan the where the audience were able to put their
Georgie Crozier - Shadow Minister for Families • ensuring early years learning and care
rollout of universal access to kindergarten questions directly to the panel. The session
and Children programs in Victoria are supported and
for 3-year-old children across Victoria. produced some lively discussion, especially
regulated to maintain quality standards
Nina Springle - Deputy Leader for the Victorian Shadow Minister Crozier spoke of Victoria’s around the issues of 4-year-old attendance,
Greens and Spokesperson for Women, Families • building the capacity of Victoria’s early
burgeoning population and the need to plan data provision and working with the current
and Children. years workforce so early years teachers,
services and infrastructure for growth while Commonwealth Government.2. More parents enter the workforce, 6. Increased net GDP of up to $30 billion
s increasing Australia’s productivity. cumulative to 2050 (PriceWaterhouse
3.
20 Australia’s declining school
Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 Coopers, 2014). Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 21
a performance in international The combined effect of these benefits
y benchmark testing will be turned will lead Australia to be more innovative
hat around. and competitive with a more adaptable
ol 4. Children are more likely to go on to and capable workforce.
further education, to be employed
A FAIR AND SMART AUSTRALIA
and earn more. 4. Children are more likely to go on to
further education, to be employed and
earn more.
dependent on whether their parents
are working
• promote the benefits of early learning to
5. T
he national costs of education, justice ensure take-up by families.
and health are reduced resulting in In the past two months both New South
nt Despite the overwhelming evidence
overall savings. Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
ool about the benefits of starting preschool
earlier than four years of age, Australia 6. Increased net GDP of up to $30 billion governments have made announcements
ls
is lagging well behind other countries cumulative to 2050 (PriceWaterhouse about plans to expand access to preschool
d in its investment in the early years. Coopers, 2014). to three-year-olds. ELAA is advocating for
for FAIR AND SMART Victoria to take a lead by, in the first
AUSTRALIA The combined effect of these benefits will
ddes instance, expanding three-year-old
lead Australia to be more innovative and
Increased GDP by $30 billion to 2050 preschool to a larger cohort of children
competitive with a more adaptable and
ng experiencing disadvantage to 15 hours
Innovative flexible workforce capable workforce.
per week.
ss Reduced costs to society
Improved school outcomes The way forward
How to help make two years of
Increased parental workforce participation Two significant reports, Lifting Our Game
preschool a reality
More equal start in life (Pascoe and Brennan, 2018) and Preschool –
, Two Years are Better Than One (Fox and A united commitment is required across the
Four-year-old preschool
s Geddes, 2016) have considered how to grow political spectrum that puts children and
Three-year-old preschool
the capacity of the sector to provide three- Australia first. You can help to make this a
year-old preschool. Securing permanent reality by:
The steps to a Fair and smart Australia start with universal access to 3-year-old preschool. funding of four-year-old preschool will • telling politicians and journalists that this
remove uncertainty and provide the is an issue which matters to you, whether
necessary foundation for the sector to you are a service provider, educator,
development
Two years of non-compulsory preschool, of a critical for learning are established (Fox and prepare for growth. parent or administrator
beforeminimum
school of 15 hours per week, will give Geddes 2016). Ages three to five years are Developing and implementing three-year- • talking to those around you to help spread
children the best start for their futures and considered the sweet spot for reducing old preschool will require all Australian
ial skills for life.”
make for a fair and smart Australia. ‘A fair and disadvantage and enhancing readiness for
the good news about the benefits of two
governments to work together with the years of preschool
smart Australia’ is the name of ELAA’s school, setting a child up for life. sector to:
The voice for parents and service providers
campaign to help make this a reality. A position • using the resources that ELAA is
paper entitled A fair and smart Australia: The Benefits of two years of preschool • design a preschool program which developing to support you in the
case for three-year-old preschool, developed considers ratios, size of the groups, and campaign for two years of preschool,
There is overwhelming evidence of the positive curriculum
with ELAA’s CEO Group, brings together the including template letters to politicians
outcomes of an additional year of preschool.
evidence about the positive outcomes that an • plan to grow the infrastructure and for media, sample text for inclusion in
additional year of preschool can bring to 1. C
hildren who are behind in their learning newsletters and social media content to
can catch up to their peers and start school • develop a workforce strategy to recruit,
children, communities and the nation. use and for sharing.
ready together develop, support and retain teachers and
educators
Why start preschool at age three 2. More parents enter the workforce,
increasing Australia’s productivity. • drive improved quality under the National FURTHER INFORMATION
The science behind brain development shows
Quality Framework Keep in touch with the campaign by visiting
that the two years before school are optimal 3. A
ustralia’s declining school performance in www.elaa.org.au/advocacy-research/
for learning essential skills for life. Between the international benchmark testing will be • re-design the Child Care Subsidy so fair-and-smart-australia and subscribing to
ages of three and five years, foundational skills turned around. children’s access to early learning is not eNews www.bit.ly/2jDroD922 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 23
MEMBER
PROFILE
KARMAI COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S CENTRE
Our service has been operating
since ... August 2014, however we previously
operated as Korumburra Kindergarten and
Birralee Childcare for over 30 years.
Karmai Community Children’s Centre is the
brainchild of a group of inspirational locals on
both committees of management who saw the
opportunity to create a wonderful integrated Smoking ceremony during the opening of the new Karmai Community Children’s Centre building.
resource for the Korumburra community and
surrounding towns. This group of talented
visionary parents worked tirelessly to consult learning environment, we have made a Lately we’ve been working on
with the community, lobby local, state and concerted effort to increase our community … continuing to deliver on our promises
federal governments to merge the two engagement through excursions and to the families and the community to not
organisations and develop the proposals and incursions. only provide exceptional education, care
successful tenders to build our magnificent Building a scarecrow for the Karmai Kitchen Garden. and learning for the children in the service,
new home for Karmai Community Children’s Our proudest moment was … but to further integrate additional
Centre. first would be the moment when the beauti- specialist and support services into our
Our board of management is a cross section or school age children. Programs have grown ful little town of Korumburra was named in organisation for the community.
representatives from our current parent group, exponentially since 2014 and continue to grow. the federal budget as receiving funding for Operating from Karmai is Maternal Child
previous parent group, two of the local primary our new building. That was the last piece of and Health who have now been an
Our approach to early learning the puzzle for our wonderful board members essential part of our team for the last two
schools, the local council and community
members with a vested interest. We also focusses on … engaging with families after 12 years of consultation, lobbying, years and most recently we have
collaborate with the Karmai Alliance members, and children to understand their learning, design and presentations. The second proud- collaborated with a paediatrician to
who are a collective of educational experts developmental and social needs and then est moment was when the foundations of integrate a weekly visiting service for the
from local primary schools, kindergartens, creating welcome, inspiring programs, where our new community building were laid. Our Karmai community. Our other major goal
secondary colleges and a representative from the children, families and educators can engage opening ceremony for our new building was is to ensure we continue build the
CEP from Korumburra and surrounding towns. in lifelong learning together. We provide a an amazing experience with generations of capability and expertise of the Board of
warm and friendly environment in which each people who had been involved with the three Management to continue operating the
We currently support the learning, care and child’s physical, social, emotional and past organisations, as well as the current service as a not for-profit, community run,
education for 320 children (187 families) and the intellectual needs are met, where children are children, Karmai’s staff and members of and financially sustainable organisation
professional growth of 48 Educators as well as free to be themselves, encouraged to parliament. The most special moments of robust enough to cope with an ever
the broader community. We provide Long Day experience all that they can and inspired to be this day were our smoking ceremony and changing environment. We are extremely
Care 0-5 years, Kindergarten, Pre-kindergarten, their best. The community plays an important listening to the President and Vice President proud of where we are today and see
before and after school/kindergarten Care, and role in early learning and over the last two share our history and evolution of Karmai every new day as an opportunity to strive
vacation/holiday programs for kinder and years, since moving into our beautiful new Community Children’s Centre. towards an even more positive future.24 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 25
ADVOCACY
YOUR COLLECTIVE
VOICE
Portability of Long Service Leave School Readiness Funding participation. Specifically, this will be
Each edition of Preschool Matters we ELAA and its members have been involved in achieved through increasing the capacity of
ELAA is committed to improving outcomes for
report on ELAA’s advocacy work to helping to design school readiness funding Victorian kindergarten services to engage the
staff working in the early childhood sector. The
represent the collective voice of our which will help more children prepare for expertise of speech and occupational
Victorian State Government recently proposed a
members. school - particularly the one in five Victorian therapists, language and literacy
Portability of Long Service Leave Bill which
children who start school developmentally professionals and child psychologists.
aimed to provide transferable long service leave
for staff in the sector, which ELAA has long vulnerable and who tend to stay behind ELAA will continue to represent the interests
supported. The bill was introduced without without additional support. The Victorian of the sector and our members throughout
material input from employers in the early Government has recently announced the first the rollout of this initiative. The funding will
childhood sector and had a number of serious round of school readiness funding of around eventually be available to all Victorian
design flaws. ELAA raised concerns that the Bill $58.1 million for 580 Victorian kindergartens kindergartens by 2021.
excluded private service providers from its from 25 local government areas and
scope. Private providers now represent 65% of Aboriginal Community Controlled
the early childhood sector and the consequences Organisations.
of the bill meant that the vast majority of the The funding seeks to reduce the impact of ELAA is here to listen.
Victorian early childhood workforce would have educational disadvantage on children’s ELAA is pleased to represent the
been excluded from the Bill, largely negating the learning and development and improve interests of our members and we
concept of transferable long service leave. ELAA welcome any questions or input by
outcomes in communication (language
argued that the Bill was fundamentally flawed contacting us at elaa@elaa.org.au
development), well-being (social and
and did not meet its stated objectives.
emotional regulation) and access and
In the lead up to the Long Service Benefits
Portability Bill being considered by Parliament,
ELAA expressed several concerns publicly about
the scope and potential unintended impacts of A DV ERTISMENT
A major focus of ELAA’s advocacy work over the the Bill. The Victorian Government responded
past few months has been preparing our to ELAA’s strong feedback and exempted the
campaign – entitled Early Learning – We Are Victorian early childhood education and care
Counting On You for the Victorian State sector from the Bill scope.
election and a likely Federal election. With the ELAA will continue to advocate for improving
support of ELAA’s CEO Group, ELAA has also outcomes for attracting and retaining high
released a Position Paper – A fair and smart quality staff in the early childhood education
Australia: the case for three-year-old and care sector. We are arguing for a broader
kindergarten – outlining the case for universal framework of improved and funded
access to two years (3-year-old and 4-year-old) employment conditions, such as a workforce
of funded preschool. You can read more about strategy that seeks to address issues regarding:
this work in this edition of Preschool Matters. • pay rates
ELAA has also been advocating regarding two • career pathways
other key early years sector initiatives – the • professional development
portability of long service leave and the • equity and fairness
introduction of school readiness funding. • portable long service leave.26 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 27
REGS IN
FOCUS
• ensure sleep and rest policies and procedures
are in place; these should be based on current
research and recommended evidence-based
Early childhood service
principles and guidelines
leaders can access
• provide all educators information and training
more information
to fulfil their roles effectively, including being
about current
made aware of the sleep and rest policies,
their responsibilities in implementing these
recommendations
This regular feature
focuses on specific and any changes that are made over time through the following
Education and Care channels:
• consult with all educators in relation to
Services regulations
occupational health and safety issues,
to ensure that
procedures and when purchasing equipment Red Nose –
services and staff are www.rednose.com.au
clear about their • ensure the physical environment is safe and (safe sleeping resources,
responsibilities conducive to sleep. This means providing online safe sleeping eLearning
quiet, well-ventilated and comfortable course and Red Nose Safe
sleeping spaces. Wherever viewing windows Sleeping Child Care Kit)
are, all children should be visible to
supervising educators ACECQA –
• ensure cots and bedding provided comply www.acecqa.gov.au/
with the most current Australian/New resources/information-sheets/
Zealand Standards and stored in a hygienic safe-sleep-and-rest-practices
manner
WorkSafe Victoria –
• ensure all children are adequately supervised www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/
at all times, this includes active monitoring resources/childrens-services-
Safe sleep and rest practices to provide a safe and healthy working
during sleep and rest periods occupational-health-and-
From 1 February 2018 the National Quality environment, this extends to others present in
the workplace including children. • ensure educator to child ratios prescribed in safety-compliance-kit
Standard was revised which involved the
Regulation 123 be maintained at all times
reduction of standards and elements. This Approved Providers and employers should ELAA –
included the modification of QA2, element 2.1.1 consider the following health and safety • consult with families about their child’s
www.elaa.org.au/resources/
– Wellbeing and comfort. This element refers to principles to inform safe sleep and rest practices: individual needs and be sensitive to different
shop-resources/ (PolicyWorks
Regulation 81- Sleep and rest under Education values, parenting beliefs associated with
• effective sleep and rest strategies are Manual – NQF Relaxation and
and Care Services National Regulations. sleep and rest. In these specific scenarios it
important factors in ensuring a child feels Sleep Policy) and
Early childhood services are required to have in may be reasonable to seek written support
secure and is safe at an early childhood service www.ohsinecservices.org.au
place sleep and rest policies and procedures that of the child’s medical practitioner, undertake (tips sheets, guidelines and
meet the ages, development stages and • ensure children are provided with a high level a risk assessment and implement risk training)
individual needs of all children. Employers of of safety when sleeping and resting and every minimisation plan or take the opportunity to
early childhood services also have a responsibility reasonable precaution is taken to protect them educate the family regarding current
under the ‘Occupational Health and Safety Act’ from harm and hazard recommended evidence-based practices.28 Preschool Matters TERM TWO 2018 Preschool Matters TERM FOUR 2018 29
ELAA PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
ELAA is taking a new direction in
professional learning and development 2019
The 2019 Program
by inviting key members of your
organisation to learn together. ELAA has developed a targeted calendar of
Professional Learning and Development 22 14 8
Through providing opportunities for workshops for 2019. These will be presented
MAR JUN NOV
both collaborative and specifically by well-known and respected presenters who Putting early Renewing program and
Working together to
targeted learning, our 2019 professional are experts in their field. childhood leadership practice (QA1) from a
achieve best practice
learning and development program will in action team perspective
provide you with the tools to enact real Our 2019 program: Quality Area: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 &
7 Quality Area: 4 & 7 Quality Area: 1
and meaningful change at your setting. • covers important issues and contemporary
APST: 3.1, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 6.2, 6.3 & APST: 2.3, 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 7.2 & 7.4 APST: 1.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.6,
Our new-look professional development topics relevant to the early childhood sector 7.2
ELAA PROFESSIONAL Presenters: Catharine Hydon & 6.2, 6.3 & 7.4
sessions will be:
DEVELOPMENT • is tailored for all early childhood professionals Presenters: Heather Barnes Sharon Jordan Presenters: Anthony Semann
Topic: Wellbeing including teachers, educators and other staff and DET authorised Officer Date: Friday, 14 June 2019 Date: 8 November 2019
• full days from 9.00am to 5.00pm to
give participants time to deepen their such as service managers, coordinators as Date: Friday, 22 March Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
learning well as Committees of Management Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Venue: Manningham City Venue: Darebin North East
Wellbeing in early childhood Venue: Mercure Hotel, Corner
• is mapped to the National Quality Standards council, 699 Doncaster Rd, Community Hub, 35
• include information
settings matters! targeted at Flemington Rd and Harker St Doncaster. Free parking on site Copernicus Crescent,
‘streams’ of professionals (see diagram (NQS) and clearly aligns to the Australian
North Melbourne. Parking on Cost: $340 member $450 Bundoora
Professional Standards for Teachers (APST)
below)
• some sessions will take a collaborative
The program • provides participants with a certificate of
site ($15 per day).
Cost: $340 member $450
non-member Cost: $340 member $450
non-member
participation non-member
approach and participants will abenew direction in professional
ELAA is taking learning for
andindividual sessions which can
development
invited to make suggestions themembers of your organisation to learn together. annual profes-
forkey
by inviting be used as evidence for VIT
11
content prior to the sessionproviding
Through (through a
opportunities
sional development requirements.
for both collaborative and specifically
SEP NQS = National Quality Standard
survey). targeted learning, this professional learning and development day will provide 29 15 Wellbeing in early child- Quality Area 1 – Educational
APR AUG
you with the tools to enact real and meaningful change at your setting. Program and Practice
hood settings matters!
OHS Safety not just Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health
Quality Area: 4 & 7
WELCOME child’s play & Safety
‘Stories from the Field’ APST: 6.2, 6.3 & 7.4 Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
Quality Area: 3, 4, & 7
Hear inspirational stories of ‘lived experience’ Presenters: Dr Lyn O’Grady Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements
from sector professionals APST: 4.4, 6.2, 7.2, & 7.4 and Jenny Whelan Quality Area 5 – Relationships with
Presenters: Zora Marko and Date: Wednesday, 11 September Children
Emma Morgan
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Quality Area 6 – Collaborative
Date: Monday, 29 April and Partnerships with Families and
Managers Venue: Manningham City
BREAK OUT
Teachers
Thursday 15 August council, 699 Doncaster Rd,
Communities
Leaders Here we divide into two Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm Quality Area 7 – Governance and
Educators Doncaster. Free parking
groups to dive deeper into Leadership
Approved Providers Venue: (29 April) Cost: $340 member $450
new thinking and learning Support APST = Australian Professional
Committee of
Professionals
Manningham City council, non-member Standards for Teachers
specific to our roles
Management 699 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster.
Free parking on site
(15 August ) Darebin North
East Community Hub, 35
REGISTER NOW:
WORKSHOP Copernicus Crescent,
We come back together to share and unpack the Bundoora Visit the ELAA training calendar at www.elaa.org.au/pld
key messages from the day, and plan the way forward and go to the date for the session/s of your choice or call
Cost: $340 member
to implement what we have learnt (03) 9489 3500
$450 non-memberYou can also read
