Nov
12
Statement of condolence on Riddells Creek early learning service tragedy
On behalf of ELAA’s community of early learning sector professionals, we offer our deepest condolences to the families, staff and wider community of the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool.
Yesterday’s tragic accident is truly shocking.
Kindergartens are close-knit, highly-skilled and joyful places of care, learning and discovery.
All children, staff, volunteers & carers rightly expect to attend their local early learning service in safety.
Our thoughts are with all the families impacted by this horrific incident.
The ELAA Team
May
08
ELAA acknowledges the Vic Government’s commitment to the ECEC sector amid workforce challenges, calls for continued collaboration
8 May, 2024
The Victorian Labor Government’s 24-25 Budget reaffirms its commitment to the Best Start, Best Life kindergarten reforms. Simultaneously, the government acknowledges the pressing need for quality staff and infrastructure development in Early Childhood Education and Care. These factors have led to adjustments in the program rollout timeline.
ELAA’s CEO Andrew Cameron said: “We appreciate the government moving to address the workforce shortages and acknowledge the impact this will have on the reform’s timeline.” Read ELAA’s full media release by CLICK HERE.
Nov
24
Productivity Commission Report recommendation could put an end to ‘child care deserts’
‘Child care Deserts’ could be a thing of the past if one of the key recommendations from the Australian Government’s Productivity Commission Report into A path to universal early childhood education and care is implemented. Read ELAA’s full media release by CLICKING HERE.
Nov
17
Consultation is key to transforming early childhood education
ELAA welcomed yesterday’s release of Transforming early childhood education together: What we heard, What we’re doing by the Victorian Minister for Children and Disability, Lizzie Blandthorn.
“We welcome the government’s report on the outcomes of its consultation with early childhood education stakeholders including families, teachers and educators, service providers, peak bodies, unions and others,” said ELAA Interim CEO, Terri Smith.
“The government’s $14 Billion investment in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) through the Best Start, Best Life reform agenda is a significant reform but its ultimate success will depend on ongoing engagement with early childhood education stakeholders.”
The Transforming early childhood education together report underlines the importance of universal access to two years of play-based early childhood education to the development of children while also acknowledging the importance of high-quality programs.
“Equal access to high quality services is crucial to maximising the impact of early childhood education and it is reassuring to read that the government is keeping that ‘top of mind’ when it comes to rolling out the reforms,” added Ms Smith.
The report also acknowledges the importance of valuing, growing, and developing Victoria’s early childhood education and care workforce. “At ELAA our members are excited about the opportunity to provide extended education but are also mindful that this will place further demands on an already stretched workforce. We are pleased to hear that government is aware of this and committed to working with us to support the further development of the ECEC workforce.”
ELAA is also pleased that the Report recognises that the success of the Reforms hinges on the continued expansion of early childhood education infrastructure across Victoria, although Ms Smith noted “we need to be vigilant about ensuring new services are built where they are most needed, especially in rural and regional areas where ‘childcare deserts’ are more prevalent”.
“Earlier this year, ELAA worked with the Victorian Department of Education to host a series of forums to consult with ELAA member service providers on the shape and direction of the Best Start, Bes Life Reforms and we look forward to continuing this working partnership with the government, our members, and the wider ECEC sector.”
To arrange an interview with Interim CEO, Terri Smith, please contact ELAA’s Communications and Marketing Specialist, James Gardener, at jgardener@elaa.org.au or 0413483182.
ENDS
ELAA is the national peak body for not-for-profit providers of early childhood education and care. Our vision is Excellence and Equity in Early Childhood Education and Care. www.elaa.org.au
Sep
28
National focus on early learning will be strengthened by new measuring tool
The Australian Government, states and territories announced today that a trial of a new Preschool Outcomes Measure (POM) will begin in 2025.
The POM is a key reform being jointly progressed by the Australian, state and territory governments and will aid early childhood teachers and educators to monitor and report on the learning and development of preschool aged children across Australia.
“Following on from key recent initiatives such as the National Early Years strategy, the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Early Childhood Education, and the Draft National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy, the announcement of the POM further illustrates that Australia is serious about harnessing the benefits of quality early childhood education and care,” said ELAA Early Learning Association Australia (ELAAA) Interim CEO, Teri Smith.
CLICK HERE to read the full media release.
Jul
12
Universal childcare won’t happen in a ‘click of the fingers’ but there’s something we can do right now
The Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly, was correct when she recently said that creating a universal childcare system was “… not something that I can just click my fingers and happen overnight.”
Achieving this essential goal is a large and complex policy undertaking but there is one thing that could get the ball rolling now on tackling the problem of ‘childcare deserts’, especially in Australia’s rural and regional areas.
CLICK HERE to read ELAA’s full media release.
Jul
05
ACCC report says community childcare sector delivers for families across Australia
The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) not-for-profit sector is more affordable and accessible for families according to the interim report of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Review into Childcare Pricing, with fees in the for-profit sector on average 7% higher. (more…)
Jun
06
It’s starting to get ‘real’ on early educator wages
The momentum to pay Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) educators a fair wage went up a gear today with the United Workers Union (UWU) lodging their application with the Fair Work Commission for a multi-enterprise agreement.
“An unstable early childhood workforce has huge implications for Australian children, families, the professional mobility of women, and the economy,” said Acting CEO of Early Learning Australia (ELAA), Megan O’Connell. (more…)
May
29
Migration, fair wages, and a managed market all critical for early childhood in a Care and Support Economy
The launch of a Draft National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy by Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, yesterday is a key step forward to understanding what works to attract and keep workers across the care sector including Early Childhood Education and Care workers.
“We know in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) that we rely on migrants, especially for our casual labour pool that dried up during COVID,” said Acting Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) CEO, Megan O’Connell.
CLICK HERE to view the full media release.
May
23
Vic Budget makes it easier for all children to reap the benefits of early learning
The Andrew’s Government Victorian 23–24 Budget reflects its commitment to delivering on the Best Start, Best Life kindergarten reform initiatives while demonstrating the Government is listening to calls to improve access, participation and inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).
“We are especially pleased to see $18.1 million committed to improving access for children with additional needs including a review of Kindergarten Inclusion Support program,” said ELAA Acting CEO, Megan O’Connell.
CLICK HERE to read the full media release.