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In state and territory news...
As borders closed, school holiday plans changed and remote schooling resumed in some locations, the Victoria Ombudsman launched an investigation into the treatment of public housing residents under lockdown. The Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency (VACCA), Department of Health and Human Services, the Parenting Research Centre, and Youthworx have created Smalltalk – Big Yarns, a suite of resources to support Aboriginal families to be strong first educators of their boorai. To find out more about the new resources, email smalltalk@parentingrc.org.au. A new grant will provide up to $200,000 of funding to community organisations, local government bodies, incorporated not-for-profits and industry groups to develop ways to connect with the community.
The Victorian Department of Education and Training and ECA are providing a series of free webinars focused on educator wellbeing. The department also released guidance for ECEC settings in lockdown areas on the wearing of face coverings. While not mandatory for educators when working with children, a face covering is generally required while working in other areas of the ECEC service such as reception areas, staff rooms, and offices. There are exceptions for adults with facial skin or breathing conditions and children under two years of age should never have a face covering due to risks of strangulation or choking. Find details here.
Eighty-eight new school crossing supervisors will be hired across 80 New South Wales (NSW) schools to help manage road safety during pick-up and drop-off times.
In the Northern Territory, three public schools have been shortlisted in the Territory Day Schools Video Competition. The videos explore the importance of Country, identity, culture and belonging.
In Queensland, a bill to allow Torres Strait Islander children to be adopted by a relative or community member has been introduced to parliament. If passed, the bill will reflect traditional community child-rearing practices. The Queensland Government is running a campaign to encourage families struggling with addiction, violence or access to housing during the pandemic to contact Family and Child Connect for support, advice and action.
In Tasmania a new study shows how early childhood services are attempting to improve their engagement with vulnerable families and increase the uptake of universal health and education services.
Finally, the South Australian Government has delayed plans to reopen its border to NSW and Australian Capital Territory residents as coronavirus cases rise in Victoria and NSW; changes to the Education and Children’s Services Act came into effect on 1 July.
Up-to-date travel advice can be obtained here.
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New learning package
Reconnect with nature with Dr Claire Warden. Ten new professional learning modules on the ECA Learning Hub explore the intricacies of nature pedagogy and learning through nature, revitalising thinking for indoor and outdoor environments. Find out more.
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Webinar recording
School age care offers children and families a unique experience and opportunities to develop social and emotional skills. Our webinar panel shared ideas about creating mentally healthy communities using Be You. Watch the recording.
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In step with children
Have you seen In their shoes an online resource written by Anne Stonehouse AM and proudly brought to you by Gowrie Victoria and ECA? This free digital publication offers scenarios from a child’s perspective to help illustrate how the world might appear to them.
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ECA ethics event
Connect with ECA’s Ethics in Action, an event that explores the ethical dimensions of the workplace and strengthens capacity to make more informed, effective and respectful decisions at work and at home. Using ECA’s Code of Ethics to support professional thinking, participants will practice the art of ethical decision-making through group discussions and case studies, and reinforce approaches that enhance the rights and wellbeing of children, families, our colleagues and the community. Register here.
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