29 MarBest Start, Best Life consultation update
Since the announcement of 30 hours of Pre-Prep, ELAA has been working closely with the Best Start, Best Life team at the Victorian Department of Education (Vic DE) to ensure our membership and the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector are consulted on how the reforms can benefit the sector with a focus on strength-based solutions. ELAA has hosted four out of our five single-topic consultations. The topics covered so far are:
- High Quality, Play-based Learning
- Building Infrastructure Capacity
- Participation, Access and Outcomes
- System Enablers.
ELAA’s final consultation will be held next week on April 4 from 2p.m to 3p.m. This consultation will cover the topic of Workforce Attraction, Retention and Quality. Given the workforce limitations the sector currently faces, we strongly encourage our members to register to attend this consultation and use their knowledge to inform Vic DE on the challenges and opportunities likely to arise from the expansion of 30-hours. To register for this consultation please click HERE.
The previous consultations have revealed a significant number of barriers, opportunities, and solutions to the reforms and have been a useful tool for both ELAA and Vic DE. These sessions have provided ELAA with great feedback on how we can advocate for and support the sector as we approach the roll out of the reform.
ELAA also had the opportunity to attend a consultation on the Best Start, Best Life reforms facilitated by the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS). This meant that ELAA was able to be on the other side of the consultation process and advocate for our membership and the sector utilising our evidence-based and solution focused advocacy strategy. The topics covered were System Enablers and Accessibility and Participation.
If you have questions about the reforms or about ELAA’s Advocacy, please email our team at: Advocacy@ELAA.org.au.
