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Making news this fortnight...
Calling all first and final year teachers; eSafety Commissioner’s new professional learning modules; Professional development opportunities for the ECEC workforce; Deakin University invites educators and teachers to have their say; ECA’s summary and response to the 2023–24 Budget; Have you considered a job in the early childhood education and care sector?; Enhancing the impact of integrated early years supports in Australia; 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.
SPONSORED
Calling all first and final year teachers
Researchers from the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, QUT, Griffith University, Southern Cross University, and the University of New South Wales are conducting research investigating the career motivations and aspirations of first and final year students enrolled in a birth to five, birth to eight, or birth to twelve teaching degree. Complete the survey here.
eSafety Commissioner’s new professional learning modules
The eSafety Commissioner’s new professional learning modules for lower primary educators, created with Early Childhood Australia, empower educators to teach young children (five to eight years) about online safety. The modules are free, easy to integrate, take 25 minutes, and count towards professional learning hours. Learn more.
Professional development opportunities for the ECEC workforce
The government has announced that the 2023–24 Budget will include measures to support the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce. These are designed to strengthen skills, improve retention, and increase capacity. The professional development subsidy will help up to 75,000 qualified educators gain additional training. Read more.
Deakin University invites educators and teachers to have their say
Deakin University is inviting all early childhood education and care professionals from across Australia to share their insights and help shape contemporary understandings on how induction, mentoring and professional practice networks are effectively implemented. Participate in the 20-minute survey here.
ECA’s summary and response to the 2023–24 Budget
Early Childhood Australia welcomes the government's investment in affordability measures, improved supply of early childhood education and care, and professional development as a positive step for the ECEC sector. Read ECA’s summary and response to the Federal Budget.
Have you considered a job in the early childhood education and care sector?
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has provided a free webinar for you to learn more about a career in ECEC. Guest speakers will provide their top tips and insights, helping you to make a strong start when applying for a job within the sector. View the webinar.
Enhancing the impact of integrated early years supports in Australia
Social Ventures Australia (SVA) have been exploring how the current system could better respond to the unmet needs of children and families experiencing disadvantage. Together with their partners, SVA is exploring ways to increase the impact of integrated early years supports in shaping happy and thriving children. Read the report brief and the full paper.
Upcoming calendar days
Explore relevant calendar dates to consider acknowledging in your service this month: International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD) (25 May), National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), World Environment Day (5 June), and the ECA Reconciliation Symposium (9 and 10 June).
State and territory news
VIC
More children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are accessing and attending kindergarten which has been supported by the Labor Government. The CALD Outreach Initiative started in eight local councils in 2021 and has already supported more than 2,500 children to enrol in and attend kindergarten. Learn more.
Nominations are now open for the Victorian Early Years Awards (VEYA). Now in its 18th year, the VEYA celebrates the outstanding work of our early childhood sector in improving the learning, health and wellbeing of young Victorian children and their families. Nominate now.
WA
The 2023–24 State Budget includes major investments that will protect vulnerable children, families and individuals, support people with disability, enhance community safety, and support WA regions—including improvements to natural disaster response and recovery. View more information.
QLD
A record number of Queensland children in care have been placed with kinship carers, meaning more young people are staying connected to family, culture and community. The number of Queensland carers is increasing, with the number of carer families growing to 6,042 as at 31 December 2022. Read more.
NT
Families are encouraged to have their say on the delivery of preschool in the Northern Territory. As part of a review into preschool funding and delivery being undertaken by Nous Group and Victoria University, the Department of Education has released a discussion paper for community feedback. Participate here.
NSW
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has thanked the generosity of everyone involved with the Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Foundation Gold Dinner, which set a global record for funds raised at a children’s charity gala. The donations will be used to fund the Kids Complex Care Centre at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, to be known as the Kookaburra Centre. Read more.
SPONSORED ADVERTORIAL
There are financial incentives of between $9,000 and $50,000 available for teachers and educators moving into, or re-joining, the early childhood sector in Victoria. You can search for a position with a financial incentive through the Early Childhood Jobs board. Find out more about eligibility for incentives and how to apply 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.
Ethics in Action
Unlock the power of ethical decision-making with Ethics in Action! Our practical and comprehensive resource equips you with practice tool templates and invaluable resources to seamlessly integrate the ECA Code of Ethics into your daily routine. Shop here.
ECA Podcast
Have you had an opportunity to listen to our ECA Podcast series? Early Childhood Australia are bringing early childhood experts into conversations that matter. Join us in reflection and the sharing of experiences and professional perspectives as we delve into early childhood pedagogy, practice and sector challenges. Now available.
Beyond self-care
Educator wellbeing is about more than self-care strategies. Make promoting wellbeing, inclusivity and diversity a shared responsibility in your early learning service. See Be You’s Beyond Self-Care: An Educator Wellbeing Guide.
My Country
Discover a vibrant picture book co-authored by a mother and son team. With stunning illustrations, it takes you on a joyful exploration of a child's homeland, embracing nature's wonders and fostering a deep connection to the land. This lyrical narrative beautifully weaves together traditional and modern experiences, offering an Indigenous Australian perspective that resonates with children of all ages. Shop here.
New on The Spoke
In the latest Spoke blog, we share information about the ‘Stay and Play’ sessions at the QUT Children’s Technology Centre, a space purposefully designed to promote research and outreach events related to digital technologies for children from birth to age eight, as well as their families and educators. Read more.
Introduction to the National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care
The NQF sets a benchmark for the quality of education and care services. This course will assist educators who are new to the education and care sector to orientate themselves and understand the regulatory framework in which they operate. Sign up here.
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