CCSA welcomes the most recent announcement from Minister Sarah Mitchell where the NSW Government has committed to providing 25,000 fee-free training places for students to study early childhood education and care to support the sector. This is a further investment in helping to address the workforce shortage.
CCSA has made it really clear more needs to be done to address the immediate workforce crisis and have been calling for better recognition of the Early Childhood profession, improved pay and conditions and an incentive program to retain current staff and to attract new staff.
The NSW Department of Education early childhood education and care roadshows are being held online throughout September 2022. Register for a session to engage with the department on best practice and regulatory requirements, and to hear about updates on program and policy initiatives..
Union members have passed a vote for Early Childhood Educators to take industrial action and walk off the job on September 7th with a goal to raise awareness of educators’ vital role in children’s development, and secure an increase in educator rates of pay and conditions of employment. This does not constitute ‘Protected Industrial Action’ (Section 408 of the Fair Work Act 2009), as it does not relate to a proposed enterprise agreement.
As a result of this, CCSA's Member Infoline has received a high volume of calls from services seeking information on how to respond to their employee's desire to partake in a refusal to work (unprotected industrial action/strike) and any HR implications they may need to be aware of. To assist our members to navigate these scenarios as they arise, we have prepared some frequently asked questions and answers.
ACECQA has released its latest National Quality Framework (NQF) Snapshot, which finds 88% of services are meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS), the highest proportion since quality ratings began in 2012. The report summarises quality rating results and other information about education and care services operating under the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Education Scholarships
Round 2 of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Education Scholarships are now open. Current and prospective students can apply for scholarships of up to $25,000 to support your studies in an eligible Early Childhood Education bachelor degree. Applications close on the 12 September 2022.
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) NSW Research Symposium 2022 is on-demand so you can watch when and where it suits you. It showcases how different stakeholders use AEDC data to inform policy and practice, including improvement planning, strategic thinking and community collaborations.
The biennial Little Scientists Early STEM Award recognises and celebrates early childhood services that have successfully implemented inquiry-based learning and child-led STEM exploration. Congratulations to all the winners, especially CCSA member and NSW State winner with The Spectacular Find; The Point Preschool, Oyster Bay.
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. Nominations close Tuesday 6 September 2022.
The new Board members will be elected at CCSA's Annual General meeting to be held at 10am on Thursday 27 October 2022 at Fairmont Resort and Spa, Club Room, 1 Sublime Point Rd, Leura, NSW, 2780. Online attendance will also be available.
CCSA members your 2022/23 Governance and Management Snapshot has been launched on our website for you to view and your printed copy will be arriving in the mail soon.
Bigger than last year and packed full of even more valuable information, this snapshot outlines the key elements of managing an early childhood service. Helping support the growth of solid management foundations for early childhood services and outlining the information you need to operate effectively to get the best outcomes for children, the Snapshot is essential reading for Directors and Committee members alike.
Order additional copies printed copies for incoming board and committee members or staff new to management roles.
Coffee Conversations offers members a platform for facilitating important conversations about the issues currently affecting our sector. Representatives from the NSW Department of Education will be joining us to discuss:
Brighter Beginnings Program
Work Force Investment.
Our final session will look at:
Work Force Engagement.
Register now for individual sessions $35 each. Members only exclusive access.
An employer and an individual employee may agree to vary the application of certain terms of a modern award or enterprise agreement to meet the genuine needs of both the employer and the employee. Such an agreement is known as an Individual Flexibility Agreement (IFA). An IFA can be used to provide flexible working conditions for employees, and improved efficiency for employers.
Self-test Rapid Antigen Kits are continually reviewed by the Therapeutic Good Administration. It is a good idea to review the list on a regular basis to ensure the RAT’s your service is using are still approved by the TGA, to give the most accurate outcome.
COVID-19 and Vaccinations Guide - a Risk Based Approach
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. 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. For information visit our Flood Support webpage and please call or email us for further assistance.