The latest in early childhood news...

In this issue... Several states reveal their plans to keep children accessing early learning; the National Cabinet agrees to a national education and early childhood education and care (ECEC) framework; and The Guardian explores the impact of COVID-19 on children’s mental health. Changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) come into effect from 7 March; the 2022 NAIDOC local grants funding round has opened; and educators in the U.S. say they’ve hit ‘pandemic rock bottom’. Finally, the Department of Education, Skills and Employment announces new regulations on gap fee waiving and allowable absences.

Scroll down to read more, to find the latest in state and territory news and to read what ECA teams have been doing.

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Back to school

Several states across Australia have included support measures for ECEC staff in their 2022 back-to-school plans including free rapid antigen tests, masks and vaccine booster shots. Click here to read an article summarising the plans for each state.

National ECEC Framework

On 13 January 2022, National Cabinet agreed to promote a framework and nationally consistent approach to the ongoing delivery of high-quality education and early learning for all children during the COVID-19 pandemic. View the framework here.

Children's mental health

The impact and stressors of COVID-19 on children’s mental health have again come to the fore with return-to-school discussions. Published in The Guardian, this article aims to provide simple, evidence-based ways to promote children’s mental health.

NAIDOC grants

The 2022 NAIDOC local grants funding round has opened. ECEC services and other community organisations are encouraged to apply for a grant to support their NAIDOC week (3–10 July 2022.) activities. Apply here.

Higher CCS

From Monday 7 March 2022, families with more than one child aged five or under enrolled in ECEC will get a higher subsidy for their second child and younger children. For more information, click here.

Pandemic rock bottom

Families and early childhood educators in America say they have hit pandemic rock bottom with repeated quarantines and major uncertainty on what health advice to follow. Click here to learn more.

In state and territory news...

In NSW, Premier Dominic Perrottet released the state’s COVID-smart plan to start the 2022 school year. The NSW Department of Education also provides regular sector updates available here.

In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Education James Merlino announced a plan to keep education settings open during COVID-19.

In the ACT, early childhood educators and teachers have priority access to receive their COVID-19 booster shot.

In WA, Minister for Child Protection the Hon Simone McGurk is reminding early learning operators to ensure children are adequately protected from the sun and hot equipment this summer. Meanwhile, more than 27,000 children aged five to 11 in the state have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In the NT, the state government has announced its plan to keep children safe and learning ahead of the 2022 school year.

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