From today, our fortnightly eConnect will be distributed through our new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Using the CRM system enables us to better connect with our members, and lets us target our communication so relevant information gets to those who need it, when they need it.
The updated eConnect has a fresh new look, with colour-coded sections that let you focus on the topics that are important to you. We'll continue to cover all the latest sector news and include more blog style articles.
You can manage your preferences for receiving emails from us by following the link at the bottom of this email. If other members of your team want to receive their own copy of eConnect they can go to our website homepage, and complete the Connect with us form at the bottom of the page. You can also access the new look eConnect on the News page of our website.
We hope you enjoy our updated newsletter - please contact us here if you have any feedback.
Meg Mendham, CEO
Summary of current COVID restrictions by locations
The NSW Department of Education website has a table that summarises the COVID restrictions and requirements that apply to early childhood services, by location and date.
We recommend that you refer to this table to ensure that you are meeting your obligations in relation to service opening, mask wearing, testing and visitor numbers.
Don't forget that QR codes are mandatory, and if a family, staff member or visitor interacts with your service, no matter how minor the interaction is, they should check-in using the Service NSW QR code.
The NSW Department of Education has developed a flowchart to assist services to manage confirmed cases of COVID-19. Approved Providers must have a process for managing a child, family member, educator or staff member testing positive for the virus as part of a service’s COVID-19 risk mitigation strategy.
Please visit our COVID Updates page for the latest information and advice during this lockdown period. COVID related Top Tips and other information can also be found on our News page, and we post latest information to our Facebook page here. CCSA members can call the CCSA Infoline on (02) 4782 1470 or 1800 991 602 (option 2) for further support and for help with any COVID related questions.
CCSA is calling for nominations from people interested in taking up a position on the CCSA Board. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a unique and well-respected organisation by helping to build on the work carried out over our 50 years of history. Go to our Board Nominations page to read about the benefits of being on the Board, find out more about the role and get started with your nomination.
The new Board members will be elected at CCSA's Annual General meeting to be held at 10am on Thursday 28 October 2021. The venue is to be confirmed pending COVID restrictions that may apply at the time. Online attendance will be available.
Early Bird Tickets are on SALE NOW. This forum from March 17 – 19 2022 in the Blue Mountains will focus on sharing stories, building partnerships and going beyond the gate for all children!
CCSA has joined together with a group of providers and peak organisations to advocate for a better response to the COVID-19 situation for services receiving CCS payments. We are hearing stories where the future is shaping up to be more challenging for services operating where gap fee waivers are expected. With a longer lock down period than expected, we are calling on the Prime Minister to implement a more targeted support program for Early Childhood Services.
Recently The Fair Work Commission made changes to the rates paid for casual employees engaged under The Educational Services (Teachers) Award. The Commission has determined casual Preschool and Long Day Care teachers are to be paid for either full day, half day or quarter day. The minimum engagement is a quarter day. Where engagement is for less than 5 consecutive days, the maximum rate payable remains at Level 8.
When an employee leaves, modern awards advise an employer needs to pay an employee’s final pay within 7 days of their last working day. This may differ under an Enterprise Agreement (EA) or registered agreement. If your EA or registered agreement is silent, it is best practice to pay the employee’s final pay within 7 days.
Follow the link to find out more about termination payments, including what entitlements to include in final pays.
Working with Children Checks due to expire between 19 July 2021 and 26 September 2021 have been extended for three months. People who are granted an extension will be advised by email and the system will be automatically updated.Find out more about the extension here.
Stand down and COVID-19
In line with the public health order, the NSW Department of Education has clearly stated that Early Childhood Education and Care services, including Family Day Care residences and Out of School Hours Care services, may continue to operate at this time.
So where does this leave employers and staff when making decisions and requests regarding attendance or non-attendance at work?