Schedule X Extended for the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010
Schedule X – Additional Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic has been extended in the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. The schedule gives access to two weeks unpaid pandemic leave for employees under this award. It will now expire on the 31 December 2022. As reported in our last eConnect Schedule X in the Children’s Services Award 2010 expired on 30 June 2022.
The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments Scheme provided by Services Australia had ended on 30 June 2022 (as reported in our last eConnect). This has now been extended by the Federal Government and will run through to 30 September 2022.
The NSW Department of Education will be undertaking the Preschool Census in August 2022, and in addition, as part of the new Preschool Reform Agreement, child attendance data will also be collected. All NSW Government-funded community preschools must complete the Early Childhood Education Annual Preschool Census.
Scholarships have been awarded to a record number of 439 students across the state to support them entering the workforce or boost their skills. This investment is part of the Workforce Package and Early Years Commitment announced in the 2022/23 NSW Budget to attract and retain early childhood education staff over the next 4 years. Round 2 of the program is anticipated to open in early August 2022.
International Day of Friendship is coming up on 30 July. Australia Post and The Indigenous Literacy Foundation have created in partnership the Pen Pal Club First Nations Stories and Culture teacher guide. This guide aims to encourage children to investigate and share First Nations stories and culture through letter writing.
Providers have until 11.59pm on Sunday 7 August to submit session reports to Services Australia for the 2021–22 CCS year. Completing session reports by this deadline is essential for balancing family CCS entitlements for last financial year.
The NSW Department of Education has created a digital version of the Transition to School Statement to share information directly with a child’s school and support a positive transition. Early childhood educators and teachers may complete a Transition to School Digital Statement for each child in their year before school.
The NSW JobTrainer program is now offering fee-free qualification courses, including Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Enrolments close on 31 December 2022.
Coffee Conversations are returning this August & September, offering 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 for the first 3 sessions to discuss:
Affordable Preschool Program
Brighter Beginnings Program
Work Force Investment
Work Force Engagement
Register now for the full series for only $120 or individual sessions for $35. Members only exclusive access.
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. 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 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.
Trainee classifications and conditions of employment
What every employer should know before employing an ECEC trainee
Traineeships are a great way for someone to commence a career in early childhood education. Services who engage trainees actively contribute to a skilled workforce and provide a pathway for people to work as they learn their new career. But before a service employs a trainee, they should understand trainee classifications and conditions of employment.