18 NovELAA CEO update 18 November 2020
It was certainly great news for most providers last week as the Victorian Government announced what effectively amounts to fully subsidised kindergarten for all three-and four-year-old enrolments in funded programs for 2021. ELAA was a significant voice in calling for this support which we believe will have an overall stabilising effect on our sector during the COVID economic recovery. We do note, however, that this funding announcement may pose some issues for services that normally charge over the subsidy cap. ELAA has alerted the government to this issue and we understand that the government will look to monitor the impact on such providers and consider remedial measures if necessary. We are heartened that the government has heard our advocacy messages on this matter.
This follows what has been an effective year of advocacy for ELAA which has seen fully subsidised Victorian four-year-old kindergarten in terms 2,3 and 4 plus funding support for providers of unfunded three-year-old programs. We also successfully advocated to the Victorian Government to provide an additional $2.6M in grants to services to boost cleaning and hygiene capacity to meet the requirements of COVID-safe workplaces.
Our advocacy also targeted the specific needs of our EYM members. Informed by the outcomes of work with Deloitte, additional funding of $3,500 per year (starting in 2020) was secured for ‘rural’ classified sessional services in EYMs (approximately 160 services) and EYM sessional services in socio-economically disadvantaged (SEIFA 1 and 2) areas (approximately 150 services). We also successfully advocated for funding of $3.41 million over four years to further support EYMs running 3-year-old programs ($70 for each 3-year-old place in a sessional kindergarten) and succeeded in advocating for a one off grant to EYMs to support the implementation of School Readiness Funding and Early ABLES.
At a national level, ELAA (along with many other sector peak bodies) advocated for ongoing funding for ACECQA which was confirmed by the Morrison Government. We are currently working with ACECQA and other sector peaks on the development of a national ECEC workforce strategy.
On behalf of all of our members, I’d like to thank you for your support and hope you feel similarly supported by ELAA in terms of the outcomes we deliver for members.
Before I go, a quick reminder that if you haven’t registered for our Annual General Meeting tomorrow featuring international educational activist, Leslee Udwin, and the McArthur Volunteer of the Year Awards you still have until 5pm tomorrow to register for a 6.30pm start.
We have also just launched the first of our Learning Brought to Life online professional development series – the session, to be held live on December 4, will feature international change and leadership expert, Shadé Zahrai. Our sector is undergoing a huge process of change and Shadé will inspire and equip you to make change a force for good in your early learning service. You can find more information on the session HERE .
Finally, a reminder that if your service requires assistance from ELAA for end-of-year staff Long Service Leave, Annual Leave, or Termination calculations, your request must be submitted to ELAA by Friday 11th December at 5pm.
Take care
David Worland
CEO
