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Making news this fortnight...
Program to trial support for infants showing early signs of autism; Key NQF changes for centre-based services from 1 July 2023; Communication across home early education settings study; Delivering ECEC services in areas of limited supply; WEET advice for May 2023 budget; and upcoming calendar days.
Scroll down to read more, find the latest in state and territory news, and discover what ECA teams have been doing.
Program to trial support for infants showing early signs of autism
The Telethon Kids Institute (TKI) will deliver a pilot program that will examine whether pre-emptive intervention for children showing early signs of autism may reduce the level of support required later in life. Funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), approximately 700 families in Western Australia will be invited to take part. Learn more.
Key NQF changes for centre-based services from 1 July 2023
The Australian, state and territory education ministers have agreed to changes to the National Quality Framework (NQF). Some requirements related to people with management or control of education and care services, program documentation and short-term relief of early childhood educators will commence on 1 July 2023. More information here.
Communication across home early education settings study
Home education is foundational for children's positive educational experiences in the early years. Parents, caregivers, centre directors, teachers, educators are invited to complete a survey about digital communication practices and the many ways that communication is shared. Participate in the survey here.
Delivering ECEC services in areas of limited supply
The Government is ensuring Australian children have access to the proven benefits of early years learning—no matter where they live. Applications will open this week for the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF), helping to establish much-needed early childhood education and care services in disadvantaged communities. Read more.
WEET advice for May 2023 budget
Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce (WEET) advice ahead of May 2023 budget includes abolishing the Childcare Subsidy Activity Test and an investment in an interim pay rise for all early childhood educators. WEET have identified six priorities. Read more.
Upcoming calendar days
Explore the following significant calendar dates and consider acknowledging them in your service this month: National Family Day Care Week (1–7 May), National Play Outside Day (6 May), Mother’s Day (14 May), National Families Week (15–21 May), and Australia’s biggest morning tea (25 May).
State and territory news
NSW
Children of all abilities and ages now have access to a more inclusive and diverse playground at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The sensory playground encourages children and young people who are receiving treatments to explore their imagination in engaging ways. Read more.
NT
Nominations are now open for the Northern Territory Education and Care Awards. The awards celebrate the Territory’s best early childhood educators and the vital contribution they make to the lives of Northern Territory children and their families. Nominate now.
TAS
Tasmania Legal Aid has launched Separate Representatives Practice Standards and Guidelines. The publication provides practical guidance for separate representatives to ensure that the voice of children and young people are heard in legal proceedings that affect their lives and wellbeing. Learn more.
SA
South Australian defence force families will be able to access greater support, following a change in the new enrolment process for public schools. The change will make it easier for schools to identify children of ADF families, put in place additional localised supports, and refer them to Commonwealth Government support services. Details here.
Reconciliation Symposium
Looking to attend the upcoming ECA Reconciliation Symposium with your colleagues? Purchase three tickets in one transaction and save! This is a limited-time offer, exclusively available via telephone. Simply call ECA customer service on 02 6242 1800 to access this amazing discount.
ECA Leadership Program
If you're considering developing your leadership skills, the ECA Leadership Program is a strengths-based, self-directed, short-term program aimed at current and aspiring early childhood leaders in diverse settings. Sign up here.
ECA Podcast
What are inclusion support professionals? What role do they play in the early childhood education and care context? In the series two finale of the ECA podcast, we explore the vital role inclusion support professionals play in supporting early childhood services and communities. Now available.
Promoting mental health and wellbeing
Explore how you can promote and embed mental health and wellbeing in your learning community. Attend a Be You Spotlight: an interactive session with a Be You Consultant and other educators from across Australia.
The Aboriginal Early Childhood Practice Guide
The Aboriginal Early Childhood Practice Guide is an accessibly written and beautifully created book designed to assist non-Aboriginal early childhood educators and teachers to embed Aboriginal perspectives into their everyday curriculum underpinned by anti-bias approaches. Shop here.
New on The Spoke
In the latest Spoke blog post, early childhood education expert and Live Wires Forum host Dr Kate Highfield shares her thoughts on how technology can be used as a tool to enhance, extend and enrich the learning experience of young children. Read more.
Managing challenging exchanges: Responding professionally
Emphasising the importance of professional communication, this module explores strategies that educators and staff can use to address conflict and challenging exchanges within education and care services. Sign up here.
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