With the recent change of Federal Government and the upcoming NSW State Budget, it’s starting to feel like the early childhood education and care sector is really gaining momentum as an area of increased political interest. It is exciting to hear the topics we have been talking about for years being recognised by the wider community, and to hear our concerns publicly acknowledged by Governments and in the media.
CCSA CEO Meg Mendham attended the launch of the Thrive by Five: 5 Point Rural Plan at State Parliament on Wednesday 8 June. Royal Far West, Thrive By Five and CCSA have collaborated with a group of committed organisations to develop the plan. Meg Mendham addressed the launch with a strong focus on the importance of the early childhood workforce and working collaboratively with community, government and families. CCSA is thrilled to be able to collaborate and continue our advocacy for a dedicated rural and remote strategy.
Annual Wage Review 2021-2022
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced the Annual Wage Review 2021 - 2022 Decision. Modern Award Rates used in the early childhood sector will increase as follows:
- Current rates below $869.60 per week will increase by $40 per week - Current rates above $869.60 will increase by 4.6%
It should be noted that: • Any percentage based allowances will go up in line with the relevant increases the allowances are tied to, for example:
Directors Allowance
Educational Leaders Allowance
Broken Shift Allowance
• All increases in expense based allowances will (if any) be in the determinations issued by the Fair Work Commission.
The FWC still has to make Determinations on the application of the Decision to pay rates and allowances in each Award. CCSA will publish the new pay rates once the Determinations have been finalised by the FWC. We expect these Determinations to be finalised by late June.
Congratulations to Professor Emerita Deborah Jane Brennan AM, Ms Leslie Loble AM, and Ms Robyn Monro Miller AM, who were honoured in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours. CCSA have had the privilege of working with each of them and are delighted to see their service and commitment to the early childhood education profession acknowledged.
NSW Public Register of Teachers
The Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, has announced a streamlined process to apply for Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation in NSW. This process includes early childhood teachers.
The National Excellence in Teaching Awards, NEiTA 2022, is now open and accepting nominations. This is an opportunity to recognise teachers and leaders who represent excellence within their teaching profession through their contribution to the advancement of education at a local, regional or national levels. Award winners receive a professional development grant of up to $10,000 to further their career and to find ways to help their students reach their potential.
The NSW JobTrainer program is now offering fee-free part and full qualification courses for job seekers and existing workers looking to upskill or reskill in the early childhood education and care sector. Enrolments close on 31 December 2022.
The 2023 Rural and Remote Forum will be held in beautiful Mudgee on the 15-17 March. The focus will be “a Time to Thrive”, an opportunity for everyone to come together to reflect on the journey we have travelled so far and look at how we move forward to support best outcomes for all children, putting Early Childhood Education and Care at the forefront.
Take advantage of our EOFY sale on now and register today!
A dynamic 5 series online workshop presented by Caryn Walsh - psychologist, specialist in leadership and people development, business advisor, international motivational speaker and executive coach.
Learn how to keep your cool as a leader, essential communication skills of worldclass leaders, effective stress management, how to harness the opportunities from a crisis and more!
COVID-19 and Vaccinations Guide - a Risk Based Approach
The Public Health order mandating vaccination against COVID-19 has been repealed by the NSW Government at the start of 13 May 2022, therefore Services are NO LONGER required to mandate vaccinations.
CCSA has developed a printable guide to assist our members to make informed decisions about the management of COVID-19 within their services, including what to consider such as staff, policies and risk assessments.
For the latest COVID information go to our COVID Updates Page. 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.
Flood Information
CCSA is thinking of all of our members and communities who continue to experience the impacts of the devastating floods across the east coast. We are here to support you - please don't hesitate to call or email us so we can help guide you through the process as you start to pick up the pieces.
To help you keep track of all the latest information and available support we have created this Flood Information and Support webpage. Please bookmark this page and refer to it regularly as will collate all the information from government departments and other sources here for easier reference.
End of Year Payroll Records
It is that time of year again when we check our payroll records to ensure the end of payroll year process goes smoothly.
Check employee details
Finalise payroll & Single Touch Payroll (STP) settings for the year
The Importance of the Correct Employee Classification
The fair work annual wage review and the importance of correct employee classification.
This year's Annual Wage Review has concluded with the announcement of an increase to the minimum wage. The final determinations usually happen in the weeks after the announcement and the final pay rates are not known until the awards are actually adjusted.
In the meantime, it is important that services prepare themselves by reviewing their employees' current classifications and rates of pay.