28 AprELAA CEO update 29 April 2020
Hello to ELAA members and friends. It’s encouraging to see reported cases of COVID-19 across Australia dropping to consistently low levels along with some cautious and carefully managed loosening of restrictions in some states. ELAA continues to address numerous COVID-19 enquiries while assisting services with many business as usual enquiries. Some key matters include:
In-principle agreement reached with the AEU for next VECTEA
ELAA is pleased to announce that we have reached an in-principle agreement with the AEU for the next VECTEA. The proposed agreement provides a focus on quality outcomes for the early childhood sector by improving wages and conditions for teachers and educators as well as providing employers a greater ability to manage their workforce. More details, including key features of the Agreement is available in the article in this week’s eNews .
Online COVID-19 forums
It was great to see over 400 participants join our 2nd coronavirus (COVID-19) online forum last Wednesday. The session again featured Victorian Department of Education and Training Deputy Secretary (Early Childhood), Kim Little, answering a range of questions relating to Victorian Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). ELAA staff also presented segments on Commonwealth based funding relief, industrial relations, ELAA’s specialised COVID-19 resources for service providers, and ELAA’s current advocacy to governments concerning the impact of COVID-19 on ECEC services. A reminder to members that they can view the sections of the forum featuring ELAA presenters within the member-only COVID-19 resources section within the My Membership page on the ELAA website. A third online forum is planned for the near future and we will share details via member updates and social media.
Learning Brought to Life 2021
You may have already seen the recent communication about our Learning Brought to Life professional learning event being postponed until March 2021. An exact date will be announced early in Term 3 but in the meantime we will be updating you on new speakers and activities planned for the 2021 event. ELAA is really looking forward to next year when we can all come together again in safety for what promises to be a truly special day for early childhood education and care professionals.
JobKeeper
We understand that there is considerable confusion around the eligibility of kindergartens for JobKeeper payment. We are seeking to clarify some key points with Vic DET on this and will advise services via eNews and other communication channels as soon as possible.
Vic kindergarten services – annual confirmation
Just a reminder to Victorian kindergarten services to make sure they have completed their Annual confirmation to ensure continuation of regular funding streams. See the article in eNews for more information.
Take care
David Worland
CEO – ELAA
