Dear colleagues
In this month’s edition of Early Childhood Update, we begin our countdown to World Teachers’ Day on Friday 25 October 2024 by celebrating the professionalism and expertise of Victoria’s teachers in the early years.
To mark the occasion, we are also encouraging services to use this celebration kit to recognise the work of their early childhood teachers.
Further exemplifying the outstanding qualities of Victoria’s early childhood teachers and educators, 27 inspirational finalists were recently named for this year’s Victorian Early Years Awards, to be held on Thursday 7 November 2024.
Now in their 19th year, the awards are a fitting celebration of the exceptional work happening across the sector every day, and you can learn more about the finalists in this month’s edition.
We have a big edition for you to enjoy this month, and we hope these resources and professional development opportunities continue to provide the support you need in your roles.
This month’s edition of Early Childhood Update invites you to:
- learn about the new operational policy settings shaping Pre-Prep and the Best Start, Best Life reforms
- access translated information about the School Saving Bonus that you can share with families attending your service who have a child transitioning to Prep in 2025
- take part in the Respectful Relationships learning program
- encourage parents and carers of children to take part in the Kindergarten Parent Opinion Survey
- apply for Innovation Grants
- access resources to help children from culturally and linguistically diverse families go to kindergarten
- sign up for Arrival information sessions.
And as we look ahead to 2025, you can continue your workforce planning with a range of initiatives all designed to help attract job-ready staff, while driving retention and improving job satisfaction.
You can also read how the Victorian Government is opening 50 early learning and childcare centres across the state, to be run by Early Learning Victoria. Enrolments are now open for 2025 at the first 4 centres.
All the best for the month ahead, including World Teachers’ Day celebrations.
Bronwen FitzGerald
Deputy Secretary
Early Childhood Education
Updated